How Does Haemon Use Figurative Language In Antigone

Lexi Nguyen

Mr. Palko

Period 8

27 October 2022

Haemons Speech

In Antigone, Haemon uses figurative language and appeals to pride to argue that Creon must be a good leader and learn to take criticism by other people, encouraging Creon to forgive Antigone and let her be free.

In Antigone, Haemon uses Figurative language to argue that a good leader can take others' criticism. In his speech to his father in the palace he argues that a leader can listen to the citizens' opinions, in order to make a better decision to free Antigone. When Haemon first addresses his speech to Creon he tries to establish that as the king, he needs to understand that listening to others' criticism might help him understand why Antigone buried Polyneices. In his speech

Haemon compares Creon to a tree, as he is very stubborn. The torrent represents the public opinion, which can be powerful, and to resist and be torn out is not to listen and be removed. Haemon argues that by being the leader others' strong criticism can benefit him and that he needs to bend with the people in order to not be disrespected by the citizens. When Creon hearkens to the comments he will then forgive Antigone and set her free from the cave. Clearly, Haemon uses this metaphor to help encourage Creon that having a more open mind can benefit him because taking in criticism and learning how to understand it from the citizens will allow him to earn the respect and loyalty he wants. Furthermore, Haemon tries to convince Creon that seeking another idea will benefit him in his

As Haemon delivers his speech he encourages Creon that with his positive traits, he can take criticism in a mature way that will allow him to recognize the right thing to do. If Creon can listen with sympathy he can forgive Antigone and not go through with the execution. When Haemon continues with his speech to Creon he starts to try to make him feel good about himself, so Creon can start thinking about forgiving Antigone. As Haemon tries to make Creon listen to him he starts to bring up traits that will make Creon feel more powerful. Haemon states, “Father, no greater treasure can I have Than your prosperity / no son can find a greater prize than his father’s fame, / No father than his son’s” (ll. 19-23) Haemon compares Creon to the treasure implying that he is the highest prize and that he cannot get a better reward than his father. As Haemon describes prosperity he compares it to Creon’s success and shows how Creon is a powerful king. He lets Creon know that he is proud of his fathers fame but needs to realize that since he is a king and he holds the power he needs to make the right decisions to better him. By bettering himself he can learn to make the proper decisions that will then lead to freeing Antigone. Clearly, Haemon’s use of trying to make Creon feel greater about himself will allow him to concentrate on the better side of all of the criticism from people, and free