What happens in the paean in Antigone?

What happens in the paean in Antigone?

The elders rejoice at Creon’s decision in a paean, or joyful song, to Dionysus. The ecstasy of the chorus imitates the frenzy of Dionysian worship. Exultation wells up at this pivotal moment in the play, as Creon at last yields and seeks to repair the damage his pride has caused.

What is Tiresias saying to Creon?

Teiresias tells Creon, “You stand once more on the edge of fate.” Teiresias tells Creon that he has made a mistake in not allowing the body of Polyneices to be buried, that this act has separated them from the gods: “The gods are deaf when we pray to them, their fire / Recoils from our offering, their birds of omen / …

Why does the Chorus sing the paean?

Typical situations for paean-singing were: (1) a religious festival (esp. for Apollo), (2) illness or plague, where Apollo is addressed in his role as Healer (Il. 1. 473), (3) joyous and celebratory occasions such as weddings or the ratification of peace (Xen.

How does Creon treat Tiresias?

Tiresias tells him that his refusal to bury Polynices and his punishment of Antigone for the burial will bring the curses of the gods down on Thebes. Hearing this, Creon curses Tiresias, calling him a false prophet who traffics in poor advice and rhetoric. The Chorus is terrified by Tiresias’s prophecy.

What is the chorus asking the god to heal?

What is the Chorus asking the God to heal? They want a God who has “merciful feet.” They are praying because they want the plague to be lifted from Thebes, so the characters from Antigone are praying to the Gods for forgiveness since Creom has changed his mind and went off to go and save Antigone.

What is the purpose of paean in Antigone?

The purpose of the paean is to worship and honor the gods of ancient Greece. It reveals the ancient Greek belief that the gods favored the Theban citizens and were powerful enough to rescue them from harm.

Does Creon believe Tiresias?

Like Oedipus, Creon refuses to believe Tiresias’ warning because it contradicts his own sense of responsibility and moral scruples. Like Oedipus, Creon also accuses Tiresias of lying and of using his prophetic power for personal advantage.

What is the main purpose of performing the paean?

The purpose of the paean is to honor the Gods. A paean is usually a lyric or song dedicated to thanksgiving or expressing victory or triumph. This is usually sung by a group as a chorus although there are some instances where some paeans that are sung by individuals.

Why does Creon originally ignore Tiresias warning?

-Creon is saying that Tiresias is attacking him because he sentenced Antigone to death and gave a warning about what would happen if Antigone did end up dying. He chooses to ignore Tiresias’ warnings and refuses to bury Polynices.

How has Creon been guilty of the sin of pride?

How has Creon been guilty of the sin of pride? He thought he knew more than the gods. Why does Creon bury Polyneices and then go to save Antigone? He’s afraid of the gods’ wrath and must appease their law first.