Antigone Group

Question:

shaina011
shaina011
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In "Antigone," what is the significance of blindness and seeing?

 and also what is the significance of Creons statement to Haemon "you'll never marry Antigone while she lives?

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Posted by shaina011 on Saturday November 15, 2008 at 4:06 PM and tagged with antigone, blindness, symbolism, themes.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The blind prophet Teiresias warns Creon ,who can physically see but is figuratively blind to the consequences of his decisions, that by ignoring the laws of the gods, he will bring tragedy upon his family. Creon ignores Teiresias warning and his predictions do come true. His niece is dead, his son and wife are dead and he loses his power because of Creon's hubris or pride would not allow him to change a decree he made concerning Polyneices. The motif of blindness becomes important because a blind prophet wisely tries to warn Creon of his downfall, yet Creon believes he can "see" what's better for the state than a prophet whose predictions have come true many times. Even when Haemon asks that Antigone's life be spared, Creon's answer is a cold "you'll never marry her..." Thus Haemon commits suicide to end his father's power over him.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/antigone/
    http://www.enotes.com/antigone/character-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/antigone/themes

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Saturday November 15, 2008 at 7:22 PM