Antigone Research Paper

To begin, Antigone believes that Creon’s authority is much less important than that of the Gods. For example,

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.

Haemon Quoted, “When men speak well, it’s good to learn from them.” (Line 819) This supports my allegation as a result of it, it displays how Creon is being unfair and petty. Creon denies to listen to his son’s reasoned feud about something highly critical. He does not even know why he won’t listen but if it’s not about what he’s talking about or if it’s trying to override his choice then he doesn’t want to hear it.

Creon’s harsh and arrogant attitude appears when he scorns the Guard, saying, “...before what you’re about to say enrages me completely and reveals that

During his initial speech to the people of Thebes, he says to his subjects, “No one values friendship more highly than I,”(197 Sophocles,et.al.). In stating this he uses ethics in trying to make people believe that he is on the same level that they are and that which is obviously not true. Creon uses this tactic in hope to

He refuses to hear the counsel of others, even if it came from the gods. This is the last chance Creon had at potentially stopping the ensuing downfall that he will face later on in

King Creon is a very proud man and does not always like to consider anybodies thoughts or feelings in his decisions. However in the end of the story, Creon admits that it is his fault for their deaths. As well as accepting the punishments that come along with it (Sophocles 109-138). Many people would not

“Passing the wildest flight though are the cunning and skill, that guide man now to the light, but now to counsels of ill. If he honors the laws of the land, and reveres the Gods of the State Proudly his city shall stand; but a cityless outcast I rate Whoso bold in his pride from the path of right doth depart;Ne'er may I sit by his side, or share the thoughts of his heart.” (368-375) Creon’s words, actions, and ideas contrast with Creon’s character to the point of these two characters having conflicting motivations. These conflicting motivations cause the characteristics of him being angry, stubborn, and headstrong to be highlighted within Creon’s character.

Creon is guaranteeing that he can be trusted and how devoted he was to gaining their trust. These words alone shows how much he wants to be king and rule them the correct way which is without betrayal. His tone is sincere to show that he actually means what he says. Creon proves his devotion in his speech by stating,”No one values friendship more highly than I; but we must remember that friends made at the risk of wrecking our ship are not real friends at all.” He is referring to Polyneices and how he betrayed his people.

Who isn't right? Well like stated before, Creon believes that his decision is one made out of justice, but if Antigone was asked who was right in this conflict, or course, she wouldn't say it was Creon. For Antigone, real justice would be if her brother was buried with the proper burial rites. Her purpose throughout the play was to find justice for her brother and not the justice that Creon had already implemented, but the justice that she felt was the right one. Her fiancé, Haemon who is also Creon’s son, is one character that experience the insecurity of justice in the play.

Creon says, “ We must obey whatever man the city puts in charge, no matter what the issue - great or small, just or unjust.” (Lines 760-763) Creon says this because he is in charge and he is the one making the rules. His power hungry character sees that no matter how unjust or lunatic his laws may be, they must be followed because he is in charge and he is sovereign.

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.

He is stubborn, and his pride is so great, he cannot bring himself to acknowledge that he could ever wrong. King Creon also possessed the character trait of being very strict and inflexible, even though his character may have brought protection, or a sense of safety among the Theban people, even when his. When Creon is talking to Teiresias, he thinks that he is being paid off. He does not want to believe he could be wrong about Antigone. Creon even says, “Whatever you say, you will not change my will.”

Creon believed that his law stood above and beyond the laws of the gods and that it must be obeyed. He only realized that he was wrong shortly after his son’s tragic death. Nonetheless, he learned that “The laws of the gods are mighty, and a man must serve them to the last day of his life” (Scene 5 ll. 107-108). Even Creon, after all the pain and suffering he’s gone through to ensure that Polyneices’ body isn’t

Sophocles’ play Antigone dramatizes the conflict between competing, but perhaps equally legitimate, forms of authority and power. One side is embodied by Creon, the king of Thebes, who believes that adherence to the laws of the state is paramount, even if they are in contrast with the wishes of the gods. Opposing Creon is Antigone, who advocates for divine justice and proper family roles. Tiresias, the prophet, convinces Creon that by failing to properly bury Polynices and for imprisoning Antigone, he has angered the gods and cursed his family. Tiresias’ role in society is the reason that only he has the authority to dissent against Creon and sway his opinion when he would disregard everyone else’s.