Furthermore, the exchange between Haemon and Creon also serves as a reminder that a ruler should never denounce or be biased against a specific group because it leads to irrational and selfish decision making, that lead to the destabilization of the community as a
Creon learns that, as Haimon had argued before leaving in a rage, there are severe consequences for believing a state can be run by one single person rather than listening to the reason of others just as wise. According to the definition of tragedy, there must be the descent of a hero due to a tragic flaw; such a definition suits the ill-tempered king Creon rather than heroic and justified Antigone. What brings this king to an all-time low are his flaws, actions, and position in power. Due to having such power and strength, he can very easily strike fear into the hearts of many—Antigone seems to have been one of the very few exceptions. Additionally, his flaws include his ego and pride; this results in his refusal to accept the reasoning
Creon’s main motives behind this law were to gain trust from his people and to have a stabilized power. This law however, was disobeyed by the daughter of Oedipus, Antigone. This is the all the start of the direct
In the short story titled “Antigone,” the author portrays Creon as a tragic hero by displaying flaws in Creon's character shown throughout the story. Creon’s character contains many flaws which lead to many problems. His decisions end up deciding the fates of his son, his wife, and Antigone. Creon finally realizes that what he has done is sinful to the gods. He has put his own pride over the appreciation of the gods.
(Antigone 8). This quote shows that he wants everyone to obey him and anyone who disobeys him will get in trouble. The last support can be found when Creon said, “But he who crosses law, or forces it, or hopes to bring the ruler under him, shall never have a word of praise from me.” (Antigone 23). This means that Creon is “madly in love” with his power and thinks that he can do anything because he is the king.
Leaders who have absolute control tend to take their power too far, which in turn, could make things difficult for everyone. As shown in Sophocles’ play, Antigone, The leader takes his power too far, and while doing so, his kingdom, and life, starts to crumble In Antigone, the character Creon could be considered immoral because of his unwillingness to listen to others opinions and beliefs, and because he takes his power too far; but, also how he eventually makes others feel sympathetic towards him due to the loss of a few of his loved ones. Creon makes everyone aware of his ignorant and immoral ways by not listing to the beliefs of others. When it came time for him to test out his new position as ruler of Thebes, he makes a harsh decision,
Ironically, he states that “the mind that is most rigid stumbles soonest,” which would lead one to assume that his leadership style would be flexible (473-474). Creon has the correct intentions by attempting to follow the established law, yet contradicts his statement on a rigid mindset by allowing no exception in Antigone’s case. Creon is in a difficult position
However, Creon is not only authoritative but also wise. An example of this is when he says, "...whoever shows by word and deed that he is on the side of the state -- he shall have my respect while he is living, and my reverence when he is dead" (1. 45-47). As the king of Thebes, Creon is a man whose respect is earned, not given. Creon explains to the Chorus that a man who is loyal to the state and the ruler earns his total respect. A clever ruler would compel his subjects to obey him and follow his rules without explicitly stating the consequences.
How would you feel if you were locked away to rot by one of your own family members because you did something they didn’t approve of? In Sophocles play, Antigone, this is just the case for the niece of Creon, King of Thebes. After getting word that her “own two brothers [...] slaughtered one another and brought about their common doom” (Sophocles 318), Antigone is distraught. What makes her infuriated is when she learns that her uncle, Creon, has decided that one of her brothers, Eteocles, will receive a proper burial and be honored while the other brother, Polyneices, will receive no burial and be remembered as a traitor. Soon after, Antigone takes action and performs a secret burial and ritual on her dead brothers corpse, but she is also
His principal belief is that they must emotionally detach when deciding upon a verdict in order to overcome the moralities of society. As part of his primary response to Antigone’s defiance, he notably articulates that “kings have other things to do besides [wallowing in] their own woes” (33). This is of significance as the statement is in reference to his comparison of Antigone’s actions to “the pride of Oedipus” (32). Creon is emphatically criticizing the rule of the previous authority of Thebes by attributing Oedipus’ demise to his inability to detach himself from the direct social and emotional environment. Therefore, Creon indirectly suggests that in order to operate a society “more sensibly” authority must evade external influences and moralities (33).
Creon believes that whatever he says or decide is true, he has so much of self-righteousness. The word that Creon said “Am I to rule by other mind than mine?” (Antigone, page 26). He thinks that he should rule everything because he is a king, he believes that people should obey him and the law he sets because he thinks that it is the right thing to do. Creon does not want other people to tell him what to do.
After reading the tragedy of Antigone by Sophocles, one is left to wonder who the protagonist of this play is. Is it Creon or is it Antigone? To answer this question, one must define what a protagonist is. By definition, a protagonist is a leading actor or a character. Creon fits this description because not only do his actions lead into the whole tragedy, but his character shows a great development and the values he teaches to the readers.
The reader feels pity for Creon for his lack of time to grieve and his tragic mistake that led to the loss of his family, this demonstrates his goodness. Creon, recently succeeded to take the throne of Eteocles, making him king. Therefore, giving him the title of royalty and showing superiority. His power and control over Thebes makes him important, and this power and importance leads to a lack of mercy for criminals.. CREON. I have summoned you here this morning because I know that I can depend on you: your devotion to King Laius was absolute; you never hesitated in your duty to our late ruler Oedipus; and
Creon had many reason too next in line to rule Thebes. His motivation was just and honorable; therefore, making him the protagonist. Creon’s law is justified by reason. Since Thebes had two rulers, the people must have been divided on who was the best fit ruler just as the people of the United States compare the Presidential candidates. However, when the brothers go to war with each other the people also go to war, creating tension even after
Eric Estrella Professor: Corinne Croce ENG 210 September 28, 2016 Antigone The character from the play that I have chosen is Creon. Creon in the play is the king of Thebes and is Antigone’s uncle. Creon is a powerfully built person who cherishes order and loyalty above anything. Creon is also the man who suffers the burdens of the rule he had enforced over his pride to make the Gods satisfy and to make people see he wasn't someone to be disobey too.
