What role would an oppressive ruler take in a setting where loyalty is fundamental? An analysis of Creon in Sophocles’ Antigone reveals his function in the plot as well as among the characters. Through Creon and his actions, Sophocles writes about pride as a catalyst for downfall, conflict in the midst of oppression, and the association of Creon with the human law. In Antigone, Creon’s character contributes to theme, conflict, and symbolism.
One of Creon’s major roles is developing the theme of hubris. Through Creon’s actions, Sophocles expands the theme of how an individual who refuses to listen to others is fated to suffer. Creon’s arrogance and refusal to listen is clearly demonstrated through the dialogue with his son Haemon. Haemon claims …show more content…
Tiresias claims that Creon’s edict is immoral and advises him to make amends. Yet, even though Creon has never doubted Tiresias in the past, he now retorts, “You’ll never bury that body in the grave, not even if Zeus’s eagles rip the corpse and wing their rotten pickings off to the throne of god!” (1151-1153). This is a significant display of Creon’s hubris, as Creon is determined to hold to his decree even if “Zeus’s eagles” interfere, or in other words, even if the gods are against it. In addition, Tiresias only speaks the word of Apollo, which means that Creon is unwilling to listen to the word of the gods. The fact that Creon is willing to defy divine authority is the ultimate display of arrogance since no man can have more power than the gods. So as a result of his hubris and refusal to accept criticism, Creon eventually has to face the destruction of his …show more content…
After Antigone is caught burying Polynices, she defends herself by claiming, “Nor did I think that your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions” (503-505). Creon’s belief that his law is able to substitute for divine laws portrays hubris, as no man’s laws can replace divine principles. Contrary to Creon’s laws which demonstrate loyalty to the state, the unwritten, divine laws are made up of moral responsibilities. Creon’s decree represents what it means to be a citizen of Thebes, but Antigone’s action represents what is means to be a human. Sophocles seems to suggest that moral, or divine laws are more important than state
One of Creon’s major roles is developing the theme of hubris. Through Creon’s actions, Sophocles expands the theme of how an individual who refuses to listen to others is fated to suffer. Creon’s arrogance and refusal to listen is clearly demonstrated through the dialogue with his son Haemon. Haemon claims …show more content…
Tiresias claims that Creon’s edict is immoral and advises him to make amends. Yet, even though Creon has never doubted Tiresias in the past, he now retorts, “You’ll never bury that body in the grave, not even if Zeus’s eagles rip the corpse and wing their rotten pickings off to the throne of god!” (1151-1153). This is a significant display of Creon’s hubris, as Creon is determined to hold to his decree even if “Zeus’s eagles” interfere, or in other words, even if the gods are against it. In addition, Tiresias only speaks the word of Apollo, which means that Creon is unwilling to listen to the word of the gods. The fact that Creon is willing to defy divine authority is the ultimate display of arrogance since no man can have more power than the gods. So as a result of his hubris and refusal to accept criticism, Creon eventually has to face the destruction of his …show more content…
After Antigone is caught burying Polynices, she defends herself by claiming, “Nor did I think that your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions” (503-505). Creon’s belief that his law is able to substitute for divine laws portrays hubris, as no man’s laws can replace divine principles. Contrary to Creon’s laws which demonstrate loyalty to the state, the unwritten, divine laws are made up of moral responsibilities. Creon’s decree represents what it means to be a citizen of Thebes, but Antigone’s action represents what is means to be a human. Sophocles seems to suggest that moral, or divine laws are more important than state