The Potential Leader Of Antigone By Sophocles

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The Potential Leader of Theban
Antigone is a Greek trilogy tragedy, written by Sophocles with a theme of moral; conflict in state law and divine law. Polynices and Eteocles were two brothers in war for the right to rule Theban, but both slain by each other’s hands. The death of Polynices and Eteocles lead to their uncle to be next in line to the throne. One of his first decisions is for Eteocles receive an honorable burial and Polynices is to be left for the dogs. Creon’s hubris leads to his downfall by not listening to his people advice for his kingdom. Creon too late to learn the lesson of what it takes to be a true leader causes him to loses the things that gives him life. Pride can lead to success, but too much pride and ignorance can
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Creon believes he is doing the right thing because Polynices is a traitor to Theban and he should be treated as any other traitor. Antigone does not agree with the state law, even if it causes her death. She will bury her brother and it seems the gods are helping her when Sentry reported to Creon “whoever it was has left no clues behind [her]” (Antigone 252).The area of Polynices body has no marking and it seemed to be untouched by anybody. The gods are helping Antigone, which goes against Creon’s belief that the gods will want Polynices not to be buried. Moreover Antigone action is unheard of in the Greek culture of a female going against the law of man as they should be submissive. Ismene is the perfect feminine of Greek culture “we are woman; it is not for us/ to fight against men” (Antigone 61-62). On the other hand Creon is disgusted by Antigone’s display of disobedient and taking on a masculine role. Antigone believes the divine law is more powerful than anything since Creon “being only a man” (Antigone 494). In everything Creon is human that is equal to everyone and he has no power …show more content…
You can day that Creon and Antigone are foils by man vs. female, man vs. gods, and family vs. law/government. For defying the state law Creon sentence Antigone to death opposed to everyone. Creon has to set an example as the King if he shows favoritism and weakness to a female he will lose credibility as the king. Creon continues this trend of action; he also includes Ismene in aiding her sister. He sentences both girls to death for going against the state law then he allows Ismene to be free. Creon justifies his action for not being at the hands of ending Antigone death “alive, with food enough/ To acquit ourselves of the blood- guiltiness” (Antigone 775). Creon does this so he does not feel as guilty in being apart of his niece’s death. The chorus at the beginning agrees in Creon being the king even

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