Sophomore Case

Dear Creon:

As you are well aware of the fact that Antigone had gone against your words and buried Polyneices, and that you have commended Antigone to death, I am writing this letter to help you make the right decision about your niece's death.

King Creon, you are now Thebe's new king, and I believe that you will reign over the people wisely, looking over for your people. I strongly agree on your actions, trying to keep your authority and words to keep the social orders and prevent people trying to threaten your authority. However, in this case I think forgiving Antigone is the right thing to do. First, Teiresias warned you to yield for your own good. Going against the Gods will be punished. As a wise king, please think about what will happen to you and the people of Thebes if you go against the laws of the gods.

Also, Antigone is your niece, and your only son's lover. Killing Antigone will affect you and your son's relationship. You are Haimon's guide, you should think one more time, and make the right decisions so that Haimon will follow the path you made for him, and always respect you. Like Haimon said, in flood time trees bend, and because they bend, even their twigs are safe. If you yield and think more deeply you will be able to save not only the relationship with your son, Haimon will think you are a great father and king who knows to admit his mistakes and listen to the voices of other people and follow that path when he becomes king.

Finally, you will lose the public sentiment of the people of Thebes if you put Anitgone to death. People think Antigone so unreasonably died for a brave, generous act that should be praised. People will lose trust and respect, and think you are a stubborn king who thinks that he is the only one that has power, but turns out to be empty. This will threaten your throne more than changing you words. By forgiving Antigone and praise her for her actions will change your bad image into a generous, greathearted king. Please remember that "the inflexible heart breaks first, the toughest iron cracks first, and the wildest horses bend their necks at the pull of the smallest curb." I hope this letter will help you make up your mind. I strongly believe that you are a wise king. I also strongly believe that you will make the right decision not only for yourself, but for the people of Thebes.

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