Analysis Of Cadmus, The First King Of Antigone

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Cadmus, the first king of Thebes, is alluded to in the concluding paean of Antigone by Sophocles (GreekMythology).The Paean, which can be found on page 1102, is a celebration and praise of the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus. It simultaneously serves as an outcry to the god, which explains why it is placed immediately after Scene 5. In this scene, the blind prophet Teiresias tells Creon that the gods are upset with the wrong that he has done. Teiresias states, “The gods are deaf when we pray to them, their fire recoils from our offering” (l. 783). The blind prophet explains Creon has disobeyed the gods’ law by denying Polyneices a burial and punishing Antigone. The Paean’s contextual placement also portrays the text’s main purpose; restoring Thebes’ favor with the gods. The hymn states, “The shadow of plague is upon us: come with clement feet” (l. 787). Here, we are brought to think about the …show more content…

Cadmus proved to be very persistent. He was the last of his brothers to give up on the quest to find their sister Europa. He was also the only one wise enough to consult the oracle of Delphi. While his men were all slain by the great serpent of Ares, Cadmus was ultimately able to overpower and finally kill the beast, telling us of his great strength. He was also humble enough to pay tribute to the gods- particularly Athena - after overcoming his every endeavor. Although he probably didn't find his sister Europa at the end, the Fates had planned a great life for him. Cadmus, the legendary hero who came to Greece from Phoenicia is also credited with the introduction of the Hebrew alphabet to the Greek language. Although his character is not thoroughly developed in the play, the allusion to his familial domination and importance serves as an indirect passing reference which helps the reader better understand the desperateness of Thebes under the rule of

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