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Theme Of Compassion In Antigone

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Creon, the king of Thebes, fails to be compassionate throughout the play. The mandate he implements regarding his nephews portrays a lack of compassion, especially towards his family. His decree is cruel and wicked because he is depriving the family from a proper burial, and acceptance of their loss. Creon is obsessed with social and political order, and therefore, is committed to the law of the land. His commitment to the law obstructs his loyalty to his family, which in turn can contribute to his lack of compassion. Even though Antigone is family, he cannot dissuade himself from state law, and faces another family loss.
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Instead, he declares his confidence that he will not exempt anyone from the law. This inept quality would foreshadow later within the play when it was Creon’s niece who would disobey his

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In the play “ Antigone” , Creon goes against his family to choose what was right for the people of Thebes. With the actions he chose, he is left with unbearable consequences . Throughout the play Creon learns about his wrongdoing. As the play begins, King Creon discusses one of the children from the previous king, Oedipus, doesn’t deserve a proper burial.

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In the first scene of the play we meet Creon. The overly prideful power hungry King of the City of Thebes. His City has recently been met with terrible strife as his nephew Polyneices has attacked the former leader Eteocles. Being abruptly placed into power so soon after the city lost their previous leader, Creon needs to show his people that he is a strong trustworthy leader.

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Instead of relying on one voice, my voice, it would be more reasonable to receive other opinions, for I am “not in a position to know everything that people say or do, or what they feel” (Sophocles 447). In order to sculpt a proper consequence, it would be necessary to merge my ideas with the reasoning of the suspect and another person of authority simply because they are more than likely to have a motive to justify the validity in their position; therefore, I could attain mercy for them on a lighter scale since then I would have a fit understanding of their emotional and logical perspective. All in fashion that will assist my understanding in why Antigone wants justice for her beloved brother. Moreover, because family and country, under distinct circumstances, face different beliefs on how to proceed with situations, it would be quite difficult to honor both sides of the

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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.

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When people defend what they believe in or who they love that is sacrifice. In order to be certain that her two brothers she loved had a proper burial and that their souls could rest, Antigone sacrificed her life. Regardless of the potential outcome; even if that means that she was going to have to challenge her uncle (King Creon), she plans on pursuing her quest. Polynices and Eteocles killed each other in battle for control over Thebes, leaving the city to the new King, Creon Jocasta’s brother and Antigone’s uncle. Because of the actions that Polynices took during the war, Creon labels him a traitor and halts any burial process, leaving his body for the animals (222-234).

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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

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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

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As long as I am King, no traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man. But 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 ( Scene 1). Creon’s regards towards his own laws cause him to withdraw from all other beliefs or opinions that others have to offer him. He believes that the people of Thebes should obey his rules if they want his support.

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Antigone Suicide When considering causes of death, suicide is often part of the on-going investigation. What truly is sad about suicide is never knowing why a person does it because it is impossible to ask them. In the Sophocles written play Antigone there are strong arguments from the book itself and from Jan Kott as to why Antigone does hang herself in that cave. Kott’s view or opinion to answer why Antigone commits suicide does not seem to be very accurate.

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As individuals, we see ourselves as making our own decisions and leading our own lives. In the moment, we feel ourselves individually being pulled towards to destiny, but its not only our choices, but everyone elses that form our world. Montaigne says “we are all patchwork, and so shapeless and diverse in composition that each bit, each moment, plays its own game. And there is as much difference between us and ourselves as between us and others.” Ultimately, we are all alike in that our desire propels us into action and conflict to stay true to our beliefs.

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Countless times, Creon was implored to change his mind to preserve the safety of others. However, due to his uncompromising and egocentric nature, he repeatedly denied this aid, and therefore caused the tragedies of the deaths of his niece and his son. The events that occurred in the play Antigone accurately represent the characteristics of a tragic flaw and subsequent suffering that define a

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Everyone feels the pain of loss the same. We both know that pain. Some are working for their justice. We are just ordinary people driven to revenge in the name of justice. But if revenge is called justice, then that justice breeds yet more revenge.

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Aristotle believes a tragic hero “must not be the spectacle of a virtuous man brought from prosperity to adversity”; however, Creon lacks the morality during his reign as king of Thebes. When Polynices is killed, Creon decides “he must be left unburied, his corpse/ carrion for the birds and dogs to tear,/ an obscenity for the citizens to behold”(229-231). As the leader of Thebes, Creon struggles to understand the ethics of the gods or citizens because he focuses on ruling his country for himself. Also, Creon fails to prosper in leading the state of Thebes because he rules as a dictator. Creon is angered by the questions on his rule, so he remarks “Am I to rule this land for others–or myself” (823).

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Love is a powerful motivation it can even drive you into hating someone, love drives you to do even what you wouldn’t normally do. Creon makes a law that forbids anyone from burying Antigone’s brother. When she finds out she goes against the king and buries her brother. When he is informed about what happened he punishes her. Antigone kills herself and then his son kills himself when he finds out that his love had died.

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