Teiresias and Fool
The character of Teiresias is found in the story of Antigone, while the Fool is portrayed in the story King Lear. Both of these characters share almost the same character traits. They play the same role as the advisers or consultants to the king. They also provide the insight of the story to enhance the development of the story. Through their character, the changes of in the king can be clearly shown. For example, when the fool is advising the king on his decision made, through conversation, it portrays the tragic flaw of the king is going through. On the other hand, Teiresias’ advice upon Creon indicates the tragic that the king is going to dwelt in. Besides, through both characters, Teiresias and the fool, a lot of foreshadowing is embedded through their speech, it always tell the story development before the incidents happen.
However, in Antigone, Teiresias is given the character traits as a priest. While in King Lear, the Fool is an unknown person, there are no clear character traits except an advisor. This can be seen that Teiresias play a major influence to Lear. This can be seen through he gets Creon in rage. On the other hand, the Fool is just play a minor role in revealing the story progress and he is portrayed as the inner thought of Lear. In both stories, the plot develops clearer with the help of the Fool and Teiresias.
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I agree with Ju Vian that the Fool, in King Lear and Teiresias in Antigone share similar character traits. They advise the king and at the same time, the foreshadow events. It is through their character that we can see the kings going through changes. You have given a good example. When the Fool is advising Lear, we know something is wrong. As the name suggests, how can a ‘Fool’ advise a king? King is supposed to be superior. However, it is slightly different in Teiresias’s case. Teiresias is portrayed as a priest. He, in a way possesses spiritual powers, unlike the Fool. The Fool is also a comic relief. I agree with you that in both stories, the plot develops with the existence of Fool and Teiresias.
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