Discuss the role and function of Teiresias in the play “Antigone”.

The role and function of Teiresias is an exceptional creation in the plot of Sophocles’ drama. It was necessary for Sophocles to introduce Teiresias in “Antigone” as he was a part of the myth. As Greek tragedies are full of Gods, Goddess, divines and prophetic speeches, the introduction of Teiresias is essential to prove the drama as a perfect tragedy.

Teiresias was the blind prophet of Thebes. In Greek mythology he was known as a living oracle (divine) gifted with the power of prophecy. The conversation between Teiresias and Creon is very important for the construction of the plot. The scene shows Creon’s cruelty and his disregard towards the prophet or any religious belief. The audience feel horror (fear) at the prophecy and feel pity (kind) for Creon thinking. Though Teiresias is blind, he can see the truth. On the other hand, Creon can’t see the truth with his eyes. Teiresias says;                                 

                                                             “The time shall come,

And soon your house will be filled lamentation of men and women.”

Sophocles uses the legendary character of Teiresias with great advantages. The plot of the drama is such that it surely needs Teiresias. The prophet is highly respected personality in Thebes. His prophecy is gifted by one of the Gods, Apollo. But another God modified it that nobody will believe his prophecy. However, we can see that his prophecy becomes true at the end of the play, Antigone.

Conflict is the essence of any drama. The play “Antigone” is based on the conflict between patriotic and religious ideals. Creon stands for the patriotic ideal and Antigone stands for the religious ideal. Polynices, son of Oedipus, came to attack his own homeland and wanted to win the throne of Thebes. But Eteocles, another son of Oedipus, came to save the land. They killed each other in the battle. Eteocles is buried with state honour. On the other hand, the dead body of Polynices is forbidden to bury by Creon. Because,the king considers him as a traitor.

 In this sense, Creon is the most blameless nationalist. But Antigone defies (disobey) the order of the king because of two reasons. The first is her sisterly feelings and the second is her obedience to divine law. Meanwhile, we have understood that who is wrong or right. The prophet makes clear the wish of Gods and says that it is obligatory to bury the dead body. Here,the opinion of prophet is conflict between the king and the prophecy and it goes on the side of Antigone. This conflict is absolutely a dramatic point of the play. 

At first, Creon receives cordially the prophet and asks him what news he has brought. Then the prophet replies that he had brought some news and some advice for Creon. The king says that he has never failed to follow the advice of the prophet before. But after that the dialogue becomes serious and alarming. The prophet says that God’s command is to bury a dead body. So the dead body of Polynices should be buried and his blood is of none but Oedipus. The prophet says; 

Creon reacts angrily with the statement that goes against the order of the king. He says that the prophet is moved by his self-will. The old prophet feels very insulting and criticizes the king for his incapability to realize the advice. The king becomes more bitter in his remarks and warns the prophet not to forget that he is speaking in front the king. Then Teiresias reminds Creon that he is the king guided by the prophet.

Thus, Teresias is compelled to make the frightening prophecy. The prophet warns again the king that the death of his son will be the payment of the death of Antigone. Another death will happen due to the dead which is still lying unburied. Creon has no alter it. This is the outcome of Creon’s misdeeds. Teiresias says; 

“You shall have given a son of your own loins

To death, in payment for death – two to pay.”

It is very surprising for the audience that Creon defies the prophet who is an honourable person in the city. The king has no special consideration for the prophet. On the other hand, the prophet is failed to show the humanity.

At last, the impact of the prophet’s uttering resounds around the whole stage. The Chorus and Creon feel afraid of it. The king goes to undo his misdeeds giving honour to Polynices and spare Antigone. By this time, Antigone has already hanged herself, Haemon has stabbed himself and queen committed suicide. All these happened as a result of Creon’s misjudgment. The king realized his errors and wanted to heed the advice. But it was too late.

However, the character of Teiresias serves a dramatic purpose to the play. We could not realize the character of Creon if there was no activities of Teiresias. The prophet’s principle is to always speak the truth. He knows the truth. When the king gets angry, he doesn’t stop the speaking the truth