Creon's Pride In Sophocles Antigone

In the greek play, Antigone, by Sophocles, pride is seen throughout the story as a negative character trait that can lead to violent actions and the downfall of a man. Sophocles even states that "all men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride." This quote can be seen through the chorus when they say "Great words of boasting bring great punishments"(Sophocles 1536). Creon’s fate is shown by the chorus quote, when he learned much too late that he was wrong and faced a terrible punishment. Creon's pride is the key factor most responsible for his downfall and suffering from the death of his loved ones.
Pride is seen even before the play starts with Oedipus' sons, who were too prideful because they did not agree on the next ruler of the city of Thebes; Eteocles wanted to rule, as well as Polynices. Instead, Eteocles and …show more content…
He becomes so insulted by the fact Antigone, a woman, was the one who defied his law, that he even stated that antigone and ismene will be imprisoned until the day of their execution and as woman they should not be allowed to roam"Our women henceforth must be kept, As women—suffered not to roam abroad.” Creon is so prideful as a man that he does not have respect for woman. His pride also causes him to not listen to the people around him such as Haemon, Teiresias, and the chorus who give him wise advise. Haemon tells Creon, that the Theban citizens are upset for sentencing Antigone to death. Creon does not care about what his citizens have to say and even says "And will my subjects tell me how to rule"(sophocles 834)? and does not listen to this wise advice. Because of his pride, Creon only cares about himself rather than the opinions of his citizens. Creon’s pride also blinds him, as he is not able to see his citizens distaste for the sentencing of Antigone to