A leader can be described in many ways, but most importantly, a leader should be humble and fair-minded. In Antigone, Creon, the ruler of Thebes, is an autocrat who keeps the power of the state completely to his own grasp. Everyone makes mistakes at some point, even the greatest leaders. It is tough to own up to mistakes because people do not like to look like they have messed up. However, owning up to mistakes will earn trust from others. As a leader, one must know when to take charge, when to let go, and when not to force everything to go one’s way. A leader must also be fair-minded because all citizens should be given the opportunity to support themselves. Being fair-minded earns respect, and a leader without respect is not a leader. Humility
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Automatically rejecting Chorus’ opinions is as unwise as one who unthinkingly goes along with them. In fact, there are times when it is advisable to go along with followers who are plainly wrong. It will boost the followers’ morale and make them believe that their superiors are listening and considering their views. Along with his closed-mindedness, Creon expects loyalty from others, and it is obvious in his actions that he is extremely domineering and wants to maintain his power and control. For example, Creon says “I’ll have no dealings with lawbreakers: whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed-must be obeyed, in all things, great and small, just and unjust”(Antigone, 1.35). Creon’s quote indicates that he must be obeyed at all times even when he is wrong. I agree with Creon when he says that the he, as a ruler, should be obeyed. However, when the ruler makes a mistake, he or she must admit to his or her unjust ruling or decisions. A leader is supposed to be humble and do what is best for the city and its citizens. However, Creon seems to not realize the role of a ruler. He is under the impression that he has the best attributes of character and higher personal standards …show more content…
I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in, quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in”(Antigone, 5.134). He realizes that he had a weakness that tries to correct, but is too late. When Creon had a problem, he never thought about it and simply said whatever was on his mind at that time. Creon’s decisions decided the lives of two young people, but he never self-reflected, which led to the deaths of Haemon and Antigone. Due to his excessive power and pride, he brought destruction upon himself. His downfall comes from attempting to be just and right by enforcing his law. Due to his closed-mindedness, he acted the way he thought was right, which ultimately brought only tragedy for him. Ultimately, mistakes that Creon made are simply due to errors of judgment. In the end, Creon feels guilty and empty when he says "Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish. I have killed my son and wife. I look for comfort; my comfort lies here dead. Whatever my hands have touched has come to nothing. Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust"(Antigone,
Automatically rejecting Chorus’ opinions is as unwise as one who unthinkingly goes along with them. In fact, there are times when it is advisable to go along with followers who are plainly wrong. It will boost the followers’ morale and make them believe that their superiors are listening and considering their views. Along with his closed-mindedness, Creon expects loyalty from others, and it is obvious in his actions that he is extremely domineering and wants to maintain his power and control. For example, Creon says “I’ll have no dealings with lawbreakers: whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed-must be obeyed, in all things, great and small, just and unjust”(Antigone, 1.35). Creon’s quote indicates that he must be obeyed at all times even when he is wrong. I agree with Creon when he says that the he, as a ruler, should be obeyed. However, when the ruler makes a mistake, he or she must admit to his or her unjust ruling or decisions. A leader is supposed to be humble and do what is best for the city and its citizens. However, Creon seems to not realize the role of a ruler. He is under the impression that he has the best attributes of character and higher personal standards …show more content…
I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in, quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in”(Antigone, 5.134). He realizes that he had a weakness that tries to correct, but is too late. When Creon had a problem, he never thought about it and simply said whatever was on his mind at that time. Creon’s decisions decided the lives of two young people, but he never self-reflected, which led to the deaths of Haemon and Antigone. Due to his excessive power and pride, he brought destruction upon himself. His downfall comes from attempting to be just and right by enforcing his law. Due to his closed-mindedness, he acted the way he thought was right, which ultimately brought only tragedy for him. Ultimately, mistakes that Creon made are simply due to errors of judgment. In the end, Creon feels guilty and empty when he says "Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish. I have killed my son and wife. I look for comfort; my comfort lies here dead. Whatever my hands have touched has come to nothing. Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust"(Antigone,