Antigone — Tiresias character analysis

Question 1

Blind Prophet

Answer 1

Tiresias is a blind prophet who possesses the gift of foresight and is sought after for his wisdom and supernatural abilities

Question 2

Challenging Authority

Answer 2

Tiresias challenges Creon’s authority and warns him about the consequences of his actions, offering him guidance and counsel

Question 3

Messenger of the Gods

Answer 3

Tiresias acts as a messenger of the gods, conveying their divine will and providing insight into the moral and spiritual dimensions of the play

Question 4

Symbol of Truth and Wisdom

Answer 4

Tiresias symbolises truth and wisdom, offering a perspective that extends beyond mortal understanding

Question 5

Catalyst for Change

Answer 5

Tiresias serves as a catalyst for change, pushing Creon to reconsider his decisions and change his course of action

Question 6

Foil to Creon

Answer 6

Tiresias serves as a foil to Creon, contrasting his blindness to Tiresias’ metaphorical sight and revealing the consequences of ignoring divine warnings

Question 7

Symbol of Divine Intervention

Answer 7

Tiresias represents the intervention of the divine in human affairs, highlighting the conflict between human laws and divine laws

Question 8

Power of Prophecy

Answer 8

Tiresias possesses the power of prophecy, foretelling the tragic events that will unfold if Creon does not change his stance

Question 9

Irony of Blindness

Answer 9

Tiresias’ blindness is ironic, as he possesses insight and foresight that extends beyond what can be physically seen

Question 10

Challenging the Status Quo

Answer 10

Tiresias challenges the established order and exposes the flaws and hubris of those in power, promoting a more balanced and just approach

Question 11

Symbol of Conscience

Answer 11

Tiresias represents the collective conscience of the people, urging Creon to recognize the error of his ways and find redemptio

Question 12

Symbol of the Supernatural

Answer 12

Tiresias embodies the supernatural realm, bridging the gap between the mortal and divine spheres

Question 13

Change of Heart

Answer 13

Tiresias’ prophecy and warning prompt Creon to have a change of heart and alter his course of action, demonstrating the power of Tiresias’ influence

Question 14

Voice of Reason

Answer 14

Tiresias serves as a voice of reason, offering impartial advice and revealing the consequences of unchecked power and pride

Question 15

Symbol of Sacrifice

Answer 15

Tiresias’ character embodies sacrifice, as he endures blindness and faces potential backlash to fulfill his duty as a prophet

Question 16

Authority in Crisis

Answer 16

Tiresias’ intervention signifies a crisis of authority, undermining Creon’s rule and exposing his fallibility as a leader

Question 17

Symbol of Balance

Answer 17

Tiresias represents the need for a balance between mortal laws and divine laws, emphasising the importance of recognising higher truths

Question 18

Dramatic Tension

Answer 18

Tiresias’ appearance and prophecy create dramatic tension, heightening the conflict and building suspense in the play

Question 19

Symbol of Redemption

Answer 19

Tiresias represents the possibility of redemption and change, urging Creon to rectify his mistakes and find a path towards justice