In this poem, Tiresias is trying to persuade Menoeceus to commit suicide in order to save Thebes. No one can kill Menoecus under order of Creon.

Tennyson portrays Tiresias longing for the past. Tennyson begins this poem by preparing the reader for a long journey of retrospection into Tiresias' past. He makes this apparent to the reader in line one:

I wish I were as in the years of old,

While yet the blessed daylight made itself

Ruddy through both the roofs of sight, and woke

These eyes, now dull, but then so keen to seek

The meanings ambushed under all they saw (1-5)

Tennyson begins this poem with the blatant statement that he yearns for the 'years of old.' The third line could quite possibly be talking about the myth that Hera punished Tiresias for disturbing the life cycle between two snakes.

Perhaps both of these poems, with their similarities and differences, can be seen tying into another. Maybe "Tiresias" can be seen as an extension of the psychological maturity that Tennyson has experienced since the death of Hallam and the writing of "In Memoriam."

Tiresias needs Menoeceus to fulfill the prophecy of saving Thebes. This is where Tiresias deliberately tries to persuade Menoeceus to sacrifice himself. Tiresias tells him that there is virtue in dying for a cause. Previously, in line 84 Tiresias spoke of virtue. He said virtue comes from within, and for it to be recognized one must not let weakness or fear stop them. Here, in lines 105 through 126 he tells Menoeceus that Thebes has given birth to him and now in return he should give birth to Thebes, and in doing that, his memory will never die.

Graven on memorial columns, are a song

Tiresias seems to find a certain consolation in his suffering. He mentions that even though he is blind he still holds the image of Athena bathing. He realizes, however, that the power of prophesying was just as much a curse as his blindness:

The language in these chosen lines convey a feeling of defeat. Tiresias feels that he is cursed with a power that haunts him. He is a mere observer to what goes on around him and nothing more. This may also be taken less literally, as a political statement on behalf of Tennyson, showing how powerless the people actually were.

"My love shall now no further range;

Tiresias does not exactly regret watching Athena bathe because all of his suffering is for a greater cause, which is to save Thebes. He doesn't enjoy this power of foresight because to him this power is useless when people are deaf to his predictions. Tiresias feels cursed because he knows the fate of Thebes and yet no one will listen. Tiresias has a new feeling of desperation that has replaced his once hopeful outlook. He presents himself in this manner to show Menoeceus that he has the power to see the future but he doesn't have the power to take an active role in molding it. He is convincing Menoeceus by telling him that he has been chosen as a sacrifice to deliver justice to Thebes.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1590
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)