Why Does Creon Use Of Irony In Antigone

Creon Should Look up “Irony” in the Dictionary

“That’s what men pray for- obedient children growing up at home who will pay back their father’s enemies, evil to them for evil done to him, while honouring his friends as much as he does.” (Lines 728-732) These words were spoken by Creon as he conversed with his son, Haemon, about the fate of Antigone, Haemon’s fiancee, as well the one who was declared an enemy by Creon. Creon thinks that Antigone is an enemy, though Haemon tries to reason him by telling him his own ideas and those of the people of the town in which he rules, Thebes. This, however only adds gasoline to an already lit fire, and it only gets worse from there. The quarrel between this father and son only bring out just how insecure, arrogant, and selfish Creon is, and it foreshadows the irony of how he thinks a child should be one that obeys and stands by their parents.

When Haemon confronts Creon about Antigone defying the decree, he goes to the defense of not only Antigone but also the town when he says, “-the city is upset about the girl. They say of all women here she least deserves the worst of deaths for her most glorious act. When on the slaughter her own brother died, she did not just leave him there unburied, to be ripped apart by carrion dogs or birds. Surely she deserves some golden honour?” (Lines 786-792) After Haemon makes his argument, Creon proceeds to argue with him further, bringing out his insecurity. This also begins the argument that will ultimately lead to Creon’s own