Examples Of Conflict In Antigone

Conflict in “Antigone” One of the conflicts in Sophocles’ play “Antigone,” is between Creon and himself. The conflict Creon is having is whether the people of Thebes follow him in fear, and the responses they would have if Creon let Antigone free. He fears about his image in front of the state.
The conflict begins when Creon ordered a decree stating that Polyneices was not to be buried. He believes he needs to appear fearful in front of the people, or they won’t follow him. He states, “…Polyneices, I say, is to have no burial: no man is to touch him or say the least prayer for him.” Also when he states, “…and the penalty- stoning to death in the public square.” Creon is stating that Polyneices is not to be buried for he was a traitor to Thebes and brought in a different state to battle with Eteocles. The punishment for …show more content…
All of the people fear Creon, for he punish whoever is to bury Polyneices. Creon believes he did the right thing by declaring the decree. After hearing the decree, Antigone then feels she must do her duty to the Gods and her family, by burying Polyneices. Furthermore, the conflict escalates when Creon finds out that Antigone had broke the law and buried Polyneices. Creon then believes he has to follow through with his punishment, or the people will think him weak. To Haimon he says, “Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to break my sworn word? No, and I will not… If I permit my own family to rebel, How shall I earn the world’s obedience?” In the conversation between Creon and Haimon, Creon asks if Haimon would like him to appear weak in front of the people. His reason, because Haimon wants Creon to let Antigone free from her punishment. Creon will not change his mind and will not let Antigone go, or his image to the people would