Flaws In Antigone And Creon

Creon and Antigone represent the madness in the world when a certain aspect of life is taken to the extreme. Their thoughts were unchangeable and its only consequence was the destruction of their lives. In Sophocles’ Antigone, a classic Greek tragedy that draws a parallel between claims of state and familial loyalty; both the aspects are brought to life. Where Antigone singles out the private sphere of life, Creon puts weight upon the political sphere. Where Antigone was a devotee of divine law, Creon came across as a supporter of the human law. Beneath Antigone’s beliefs dishonor to family members was intolerable. On the other hand Creon’s life was controlled by what he thought was good for the state and its pride. Through opposing these characters Sophocles digs into the depths of morality and duty. Under the surface, despite their external differences the similitude between them was their ability to

Antigone and Creon both display extremist behavior and act rashly. By depicting the adverse consequences showered on both the heroes Sophocles appeals to the emotions of his audience. Creon’s flaws represent the flaws of the society while Antigone’s passionate family loyalty leads her to a dignified path of destruction. However, Sophocles’ personal admiration towards Antigone’s heroism paralleled with portrayal of the ego-driven Creon persuades the audience to show sympathy towards Antigone. Sophocles’ depiction of his approbation for Antigone’s heroic traits indicates that he was inclined towards the family over the cold dictatorship of the king. As the play closes, the chorus says, “Of happiness the chiefest part Is a wise heart: And to defraud the gods in aught With peril's fraught. Swelling words of high-flown might mightily the gods do smite. Chastisement for errors past Wisdom brings to age at last. (Pg.