Play Anitgone Written by Sophocles

Hollis Brecher

Mrs. Rivera

English

6 October 2015

Creon

         In the play Anitgone written by Sophocles, Creon punishes Antigone for burying her brother Polyneces after his death. Creon forbids anyone from burrying such a “bad man” (253) as Polyneces. Once Creon punishes Antigone, Tiresias the prophet warns him that the Gods are frustrated, and will take revenge on Creon for his actions. Creon suddenly wants to reverse his decree, but it is too late. Lying, being too proud of his ego, and abusing power destroys Creon as he tries to rule as a king.

        Creon lies during his monologue talking to the city of Thebes. Creon made promises to Thebes as he was rewarded the new title of King and he could not keep them. He declares justice and his way of ruling and promises, “Such are the principles I will follow to preserve Thebes greatness.” (252) He concludes his promises, “I’ll always speak out when I see Thebes choose destruction rather than deliverance” (252), however late in the play Creon makes hypocritical decisions contradicting his speech, such as continuing with Antigone’s punishment. King Creon declines the advice given to him by the prophet, which is a greater knowledge. He contradicts his promise to Thebes when he states, “To me there’s nothing worse than a man, while he’s running a city, who fails to act on sound advice” (252) which is ironic because Creon goes against this later in the play. Tiresias tries to help Creon by advising, “No advice is sweeter than that from a wise source who only has you interests at heart” (298) and Creon still refuses the advice from him because he wants to be right.

        Creon’s pride keeps him from taking the right action when faced a decision.  Creon is described as a “headstrong horse” (266) and denies that women have any rights. Creon is insulted and threated by Antigone, “There is no doubt that if she emerges victorious, and is never punished, I am no man. She will be the man here.” (266) Creon is reasoning with himself and explains to the leader, “Then nobody can say you were beaten by some female.” (279) Creon was a stubborn leader and never wanted to be wrong. Creon shouts at Tiresias, “Get one thing straight: my conscience can’t be bought.” (301) He never even has a thought about surrendering to Antigone and the people of Thebes, “surrender would be devastating.” (302)

        Creon abused his power by setting laws for the people of Thebes and expecting them to follow, but he goes against the rules of the God’s. Creon declares “the city is forbidden to mourn him”(243) and those who refuse this law will be “stoned to death in your own city.” (243) Antigone is flaunting the crime she has committed and Creon expresses his anger and hates it, “when someone caught red-handed tries to glorify [their] crime.” (267) Fate is ironic in Creon’s abuse of power. Tiresias who is a greater knowledge enlightens Creon, “You’re standing on the knife edge of fate.” (297) Creon made bad decisions as a ruler because he punished Antigone, and he is punished with murder of his family, “with what else can fate punish me?” (313)

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