In his play, Antigone, Sophocles exemplifies the quality of “unshakable willpower” differently in each character through their behavior. He makes it clear to the audience that the character’s actions are either a virtue or a flaw. Creon, Antigone, and Haemon are characters who are different, but also similar through their unshakable willpower. Although the people question Creon’s authority, he is obstinate and refuses changing his laws. Antigone’s insistence in the burial of her brother demonstrates her willpower and she will not stop until it is completed. Haemon displays loyalty towards Antigone and because of her determination, she will not be punished by Creon. In Antigone, Sophocles expresses the tragic view of unshakable willpower through Creon’s stubbornness, Antigone’s persistence, and Haemon’s loyalty.
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He does what he thinks is best for the city of Thebes but actually hurts the city. Creon believes that anyone who obeys his laws will be honored by him, and anyone who “considers more important than his fatherland his friend, I think him worthless” (Ant. 179-85). Creon views his laws are of more importance than the laws of the gods. Since Creon is in high honor, he assumes that he is all knowing and flawless. As shown through his actions, Creon believes he is smarter that the people of Thebes which leads to his refusal of their opinions. Haemon attempts confronting Creon about his “almighty” attitude by saying, “Whoever thinks that he’s the only one who can think or use his tongue or soul, no one else - these men, when you open them up, are seen to be hollow” (Ant. 718-21). His refusal of accepting and listening to others eventually leads to his downfall. Creon’s unshakable willpower is a flaw because through his stubbornness, it eventually leads to the death of many of his loved
He does what he thinks is best for the city of Thebes but actually hurts the city. Creon believes that anyone who obeys his laws will be honored by him, and anyone who “considers more important than his fatherland his friend, I think him worthless” (Ant. 179-85). Creon views his laws are of more importance than the laws of the gods. Since Creon is in high honor, he assumes that he is all knowing and flawless. As shown through his actions, Creon believes he is smarter that the people of Thebes which leads to his refusal of their opinions. Haemon attempts confronting Creon about his “almighty” attitude by saying, “Whoever thinks that he’s the only one who can think or use his tongue or soul, no one else - these men, when you open them up, are seen to be hollow” (Ant. 718-21). His refusal of accepting and listening to others eventually leads to his downfall. Creon’s unshakable willpower is a flaw because through his stubbornness, it eventually leads to the death of many of his loved