Antigone And Creon Conflict Essay

Creon’s conflict involves two choices that seem equally righteous--that is, between the stability of the state an obedience to divine law. He thinks Polyneices is attacking the state and he wants to defend it by declaring, “He is to have no grave, no burial, [n]o mourning from anyone; it is forbidden.” (165-167) With this edict, he is opposing the gods’ law. Creon’s tragic flaw is his hubris, or excessive pride, and he makes three errors in judgement, not allowing the proper burial of Polyneices, sentences Antigone to death, and unwilling to listen to advice. Creon’s actions portrays him as an arrogant and narcissistic tyrant whom caused the downfall of himself and intense suffering from guilt because of his subsequent punishment. Creon is being convicted of the errors in his actions by four different people.

She explains, “I did not think of your edicts strong enough [t]o overrule the unwritten unalterable laws [o]f God and heaven, you being only a man.” (380-382) Haemon focuses on Creon’s mistake of killing Antigone, the people agree with her statement, and Creon should be willing to accept advice being given to him, explaining, “So, on the margin of a flooded river [t]rees bending to the torrent live unbroken, [w]hile those that strain against it are snapped off.” (610-612) Teiresias’ prophecy affirms, “To death, in payment for death--two debts to pay: [o]ne for the life you have sent to death, [t]he life you have abominably entombed; [o]ne for the dead still lying above ground [u]nburied, unhonoured, unblest by the gods below.” (894-898) Creon will lose two family members and must release Antigone and properly bury Polyneices. The Chorus’ confirmation declares, “Have never known his prophecies proved false.” (919) Teiresias’s prophecy is correct and they have never been wrong. Creon accepts his misdeed and acknowledges his responsibility by stating, “Lead me away .