In Antigone, Sophocles presents Creon as a monarch who is within his rights to rule. Critics have argued that Creon is a tyrant, but a close reading of the play shows that he is acting within the bounds of his authority.
Antigone challenges Creon’s edict that her brother Polynices should not be given a proper burial, and she pays the ultimate price for her defiance. While Antigone’s tragic death is certainly tragic, it does not invalidate Creon’s right to rule. In fact, Sophocles seems to sympathize with Creon more than Antigone, and he ultimately defends the king’s actions.
The king Creon is frequently vilified in Antigone, especially with the feminist movement now claiming the title role. While recognizing that Creon has misogynist inclinations, gender issues may undermine the pure topic of rightness of actions. So, if a guy had staged Antigone’s resistance, would Creon’s decisions have been any different?
Antigone, in Sophocles’ Antigone, rebels against her uncle, king Creon’s edict that her brother who fought for the wrong side in the civil war is not to be given a traditional burial. Antigone believes that it is her divine duty to bury her brother, and so she does. When Creon discovers what Antigone has done, he is furious. He declares that since she has defied his wishes and the laws of the state, she must be put to death.
Creon’s anger is understandable. Antigone’s actions have disobeyed his orders and gone against the laws of the state. However, some argue that Creon’s reaction is too harsh and that he should show leniency towards Antigone. After all, she is only trying to perform a pious act and honor her brother’s memory.
Others argue that Creon is within his rights to punish Antigone as he sees fit. She has defied him and the state, and so she must face the consequences. Creon is not a cruel or heartless ruler; he is simply upholding the law.
So what is the correct course of action? Is Creon justified in his actions, or should he show mercy towards Antigone? There are valid arguments on both sides, but ultimately it is up to each individual to decide.
Sophocles Antigone is a play that has been read and interpreted by people for centuries. In the play, Antigone goes against her uncle Creon’s orders not to bury her brother Polynices. Antigone believes that it is her duty to give her brother a proper burial, despite the fact that he was a traitor. Creon punishes Antigone by sentencing her to death.
Some people argue that Creon was unfair in his treatment of Antigone. They believe that he should have shown her more leniency because she was only trying to do what she thought was right. However, others argue that Creon was within his rights as king to punish Antigone as he saw fit.
It is important to remember that, in the play, Antigone is not just any person. She is the daughter of Oedipus, who was once the king of Thebes. As such, she is part of a royal family and is subject to different rules than the average person. Additionally, Antigone’s actions have consequences not just for her, but for all of Thebes.
Creon believes that Antigone’s actions are a threat to the stability of his kingdom. He views her as a traitor and believes that she must be punished in order to send a message to others who might be thinking about betraying Thebes. In Creon’s eyes, Antigone’s actions are a direct challenge to his authority as king.
Some people might argue that Creon’s punishment of Antigone was too harsh. However, it is important to remember that Antigone knew the consequences of her actions when she decided to go against Creon’s orders. She chose to bury her brother, knowing that it would likely result in her own death.
In the end, Creon is a monarch who is within his rights to rule according to his own beliefs. While one may not agree with the decisions he makes, he is still the king and has the final say in matters affecting Thebes.
Antigone, on the other hand, is a classic tragic hero in Sophocles’ drama. It is she that Sophocles desires us to be enthralled by. He places the cards against Creon. When looking at Antigone, it is easy to see her as the tragic hero. She is passionate, she stands up for what she believes in, and she is ultimately destroyed by the conflict between her and Creon. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Antigone is not the only tragic figure in Sophocles’ play. Creon, too, suffers from a tragic flaw – his overbearing pride – which leads to his downfall.
Creon’s actions may seem tyrannical, but we must remember that he is the king of Thebes and as such, he has a duty to protect and serve his people. In his mind, Antigone’s actions are an act of rebellion against his authority and if he does not punish her, it will set a precedent that others will follow. In Creon’s eyes, Antigone is a threat to the stability of his kingdom and he must do everything in his power to stop her.
While Antigone may be seen as the more sympathetic character, we cannot forget that she is also responsible for the death of her brother, Polynices. Antigone believes so strongly in her cause that she is willing to kill her own brother in order to bury him with honor. This shows a level of fanaticism that is dangerous and ultimately leads to Antigone’s undoing.
Both Antigone and Creon are tragic figures in Sophocles’ play. Antigone is driven by her passion and beliefs, while Creon is driven by his pride. In the end, both characters are destroyed by their flaws.
She has no respect for her husband or her sister, who has lost so much and now clings to her desperately, is brushed off and disregarded as not deserving of the magnificent Antigone. Her behavior appears to be motivated as much by personal ambition as moral principle. She will fall on her sword, regardless of this matter or any other. She appears to be a pulpit-pounding preacher in the peak of form.
Antigone is the moral center of the play. She believes in honoring her brother, even if it means disobeying Creon’s decree. Antigone is willing to risk her life for what she believes in, even though she knows the consequences. Antigone is a tragic figure because she brings about her own downfall through her stubbornness and single-mindedness.
Antigone displays hubris by thinking that she can outsmart Creon and bury her brother without getting caught. She also shows hubris by thinking that her actions are justified, even though they go against Creon’s laws. Antigone’s tragic flaw is her stubbornness, which leads to her downfall.
Creon, on the other hand, is a monarch within his rights to rule. He has decreed that Polyneices is to be left unburied, because he was a traitor to Thebes. Creon’s decree is just and Antigone’s actions are unjust. Antigone challenges Creon’s authority and she must be punished. However, Creon goes too far in punishing Antigone by sentencing her to death. Creon’s tragic flaw is his pride, which leads to his downfall.
In Sophocles’ Antigone, the title character and Creon are both tragic figures. Antigone brings about her own downfall through her stubbornness and single-mindedness. Creon brings about his own downfall through his pride.
Polynices, Antigone’s brother, deserves no pity. He is a traitor to his own city and family. By the law of the land, he should be put to death for his crimes. Antigone, out of familial love, wants to give her brother a proper burial. However, this does not excuse her from civil disobedience. She must be held accountable for her actions.
Creon did not make himself king through treachery or deceit. He was rightfully given the throne by the people. He has every right to rule as he sees fit and impose whatever laws he deems necessary. In this instance, Creon’s law is just and Antigone’s actions are unjustified. Antigone’s punishment is not cruel or unusual, but is in fact entirely warranted.
Some may argue that Antigone’s actions are justified because she was acting out of love for her brother. However, this does not excuse her from breaking the law. If everyone who broke the law did so because they loved someone, then there would be no law at all. Antigone must be held accountable for her actions and accept the consequences.
