Examples Of Pride In Antigone

Pride is a trap that has many people caught in its snare without a way out. The definition of pride in Webster's Dictionary is “A high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit,or superiority.” Being a prideful does not allow oneself to think farther than one’s personal needs and desires. Can one who has so much pride look beyond themselves or is it impossible? That depends on how deep one is in their own pride. Some people are redeemable, yet others will fail to redeem themselves do to what they have thrust upon themselves. Pride is not something that one should delight in, for pride will lead a person down a road of loneliness and regret, yet not only will it bring the downfall of oneself but many others. One …show more content…
Pride can catch up to a person quite fast. Another of Sophocles’ characters from Antigone, is Creon. Creon is the prideful king of Thebes. His only thought was of himself and not the goodness of others. He believed the whole kingdom was his own to do whatever with it whatever he pleased. He even states “The city is the king's-that’s the law” (Antigone 825). The thought of having an entire kingdom to oneself to a person's head quit fast. For later in Sophocles’ Antigone, Creon does not think of his people or family but only himself. Even if it is the truth Creon can not accept his faults. After Creon is told to change his prideful ways, his response was “This slander of yours- are you aware you are speaking to the king.”( Antigone 1174). Creon’s inability to accept his faults lead to the death of his entire family. Once Creon realized what he had done, it was too late for his family was already gone. After hearing of the death of his dear wife and child Creon exclaimed “Whatever I touch goes wrong- a crushing fate come down upon my head!” (Antigone 1465). Creon’s pride came right back at him. He then realized that his own personal pleasure was not worth the life of his wife and son. But by that time he had his epiphany is was too late. For he has already lost all that matters, his …show more content…
It affects everyone who interacts with that one person. In Sophocles’ Antigone many of his characters portray pride extremely well. One of these characters is Sophocles’ own Antigone. In Sophocles’ Antigone, Antigone argues with her sister Ismene about the burial of their brother for he was a traitor of Thebes and was not to buried. Both sisters knew the importance of burial for they believed it was the only way to the afterlife. Dear Ismene did not wish to assist Antigone in the action of bury their brother. Though Ismene did not wish to help her sister she still feared for the punishment Antigone will have to face. Antigone became angry with her sister and stated “Don't fear for me. Set your own life in order” (Antigone 93). Antigone did not the amount of guilt she laid on Ismene's’ shoulders. This guilt later led Ismene to sacrifice herself with her sister, Antigone. Yet, Antigone is hesitant for her innocent sister to die along side her. Antigone told her sister “You choose to live, I choose to die”(Antigone 627). Is Antigone mocking her sister for her decision to obey the law? Ismene later says to her sister as they are both to be taken prisoner “What do i care of a life separate from you?”( Antigone 617). This clearly states the differences between a person who is prideful and one who is not. Antigone wanted to die in her own glory yet, Ismene just wanted to