Creon's Law In Sophocles Antigone

A strong ruler with citizens who obey their laws in very important for a society to function. This must be, however, a two way street. A king cannot expect respect from the people he rules if he does not show them respect. If the people collectively believe their king’s laws to be unjust, and the king is too stubborn to listen to their voices, this king is unfit to rule. Antigone disagrees with Creon’s claim that the rule of the king must be obeyed, even if wrong, to avoid anarchy and chaos, showing instead that unfair ruling is what brought anarchy, chaos, and death. It is apparent that Creon’s law banning the burial of Polyneices was bound to cause anarchy and civil disobedience.While discussing the matter of Antigone’s crime, Haimon told Creon, “ 'She covered her brother’s body. Is this indecent? She kept him from dogs and vultures. Is this a crime? Death- She should have all the honor that we can give her!' This is the way they talk out there in the city” (Sophocles 3.68-70). Creon is told very clearly how the people of Thebes are feeling about his decree, and about his ruling in general. A good, fair ruler would have reconsidered the law, but Creon was too stubborn. He did not care about what is

After Creon angered the gods with his tyrannical ruling, it was only a matter of time before those closest to him fell victim to fate. The messenger, in the end of the play, told Eurydice, “He gathered Antigone close in his arms again, Choking, his blood bright red on her white cheek. And now he lies dead with the dead, and she is his At last, bride in the houses of the dead” (Sophocles Exodus.21-23). Creon enforcing his law had finally led to his niece committing suicide, and his very own son following soon after. If Creon could have just taken a moment to reflect on himself and realize that he needed to fix his mistake, he could have spared multiple lives. Instead, he could not swallow his pride and paid the