Oedipus And Creon Analysis

Sophocles suggests that divine intervention may be the necessary reminder in accepting the truth. Teiresias is the only source of divine intervention in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Antigone. When introducing Teiresias, Sophocles never forgets to remind the audience of Teiresias’ old age, incontrovertible wisdom and prophetic abilities. Both Oedipus and Creon look to Teiresias for advice when they need an objective voice. Sophocles uses him to stress the moral values of compassion, kindness, restraint, and reason that both kings ignore. Both Oedipus and Creon value manmade laws against the advice of Teiresias, and remain ignorant. In creating a revered character who possesses such knowledge, Sophocles emphasizes the importance of seeking the counsel of the gods’ representative on earth. Teiresias is truly the intermediary voice between the gods and …show more content…
It is because of his prophetic abilities and religiosity that he is always called on for advice by the kings. However, his advice is always immediately rejected and condemned by the very people who seek his counsel. The arrogance of both kings constantly conflicts with Teiresias’ immense value of the religious laws. His impetus in leading the kings to the truth is to show them the will of the gods and prevent human suffering. Creon wants reassurances and support from the prophet in his decisions. However when Teiresias tells Creon that he is wrong, Creon dismisses his advice and accuses him of wanting bribes and being untrustworthy (231). Teiresias’ advice is the last form of divine intervention before Creon makes the choice to reject Teiresias’ ideas and follow his own advice. Through Teiresias’ voice, Sophocles reminds the audience how important humility is because “[n]o pride on earth is free of the curse of heaven.” (215). Sophocles suggests that suggest that the place of humans should always be in service to the gods instead of a