Question

What is the role of Teiresias the prophet in Antigone by Sophocles?

Answer 1

The correct option is C

The last episode appears in the work of Sophocles Antigone, and is the continuation of the Phoenicians. Creon, new king of Thebes, decides then to celebrate the solemn funerals of Eteocles, but prohibits burying the "traitor" Polyneices, according to the orders given by Eteocles before dying. Antigone, her sister - heroine of the work -, out of respect for the sacred honors due to the dead, does not respect the prohibition: it covers the corpse of earth and celebrates the funeral rites. Creon discovers her and is condemned to be buried alive. The gods do not approve of the measure, and when Tiresias enters the scene it is to make Creon respect the immutable divine laws that order to be buried. His role as political adviser is fully revealed, advising the head of state. However, in the face of the revelations of Tiresias, the tyrannical and authoritarian nature of the tyrant is rapidly returning: to those who try to make him reason and show him the threats that were weighing on his head, Creon responds with insults. The fortune-teller then withdraws, announcing the imminent punishment of the gods: death for anyone who sees the death of Antigone. Creon is afraid and suspends the execution, but Antigone, before being buried alive, decides to hang herself. When Creon arrives, his own son Haemon, who was Antigone's lover, tries to kill him, and then commits suicide. When Euridice, Creonte's wife, is informed of the death of her son, she also takes her own life.

Answer 2

Teiresias, or Tiresias, is a blind prophet who warns Creon that the gods do not approve of his treatment of Polyneices' body or the punishment of Antigone. Creon insults Teiresias, believing that he's simply blackmailing him for money, but the prophet responds with a prophecy foretelling the death of one of Creon's children and a warning that all of Greece will despise the king if he does not relent. Creon realizes that Teiresias has never been wrong and that he must do his bidding. The prophet is an important part of Sophocles' vision: through Teiresias, the will of the gods is made known, and his very existence implies that there is a definite will of the gods that is far above the domain of man's law. 
So your answer is C