One of the central themes of the Antigone by Sophocles
Sophocles
Sophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than or contemporary with those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides. Sophocles wrote over 120 plays during the course of his life, but only seven …
Creon
Creon, is a figure in Greek mythology best known as the ruler of Thebes in the legend of Oedipus. He had four sons and three daughters with his wife, Eurydice: Henioche, Pyrrha, Megareus, Lycomedes and Haimon. Creon and his sister, Jocasta, were descendants of Cadmus and of the Spartoi. He i…
What happened to Creon's family in Antigone?
Creon's stubborn refusal to honor Antigone 's desire to bury her slain brother and to acknowledge the opinions of the Theban people, his son Haemon, and the seer Tiresias, leads to the deaths of his wife Eurydice, Haemon, and Antigone. The Antigone quotes below are all either spoken by Creon or refer to Creon.
What is Creon's motivation for making these decrees?
Creon's motivation for these decrees is to preserve the integrity of the State, meaning the Kingdom of Thebes, and to insure that the State is preserved through the rule of law. He has another motivation for making these decrees which only comes into play when his decree against burying Polyneices is violated by Creon's niece, Antigone.
How does Creon feel about bending the rules?
Bending the rules leads to anarchy, in his opinion, and anarchy is worse than anything. Creon's stubborn refusal to honor Antigone 's desire to bury her slain brother and to acknowledge the opinions of the Theban people, his son Haemon, and the seer Tiresias, leads to the deaths of his wife Eurydice, Haemon, and Antigone.
What is Creon's view of life?
Creon is bound to ideas of good sense, simplicity, and the banal happiness of everyday life. To Creon, life is but the happiness one makes, the happiness that inheres in a grasped tool, a garden bench, a child playing at one's feet. Uninterested in playing the villain in his niece's tragedy, Creon has no desire to sentence Antigone to death.
What is Antigone motivated by?
The argument that Antigone is defending the rights of the family against those of the state comes somewhat closer to the truth. Antigone's real motivation is composed of a mix of fraternal and incestuous love for Polyneices as well as inescapable predestination.
What motivates Antigone's disobedience of Creon?
The first reason is that she did what the gods wanted, and what the gods want overrule the laws. She disobeyed the king's law to please the gods and this is what makes her right. Creon thinks just because he his king he has all the power when really the gods have all the power.
What is Creon's desire?
Antigone actions against her uncle, King Creon 's edict, for burying her brother come from her religious beliefs in the laws of the gods being above all else and her inclination to protect and care for her family.
Who causes Creon's mind to change?
Angered, Teiresias condemns Creon's decision as an act of grave impiety, and predicts that he will be punished by the loss of his own child (1034-1090). After Teiresias has gone, Creon becomes frightened, and at the urging of the chorus finally changes his mind.
What is Antigone's motivation civil obedience?
Antigone felt that it was the will of the gods for Polyneices to be buried and would rather obey the laws of the gods and bury her brother's corpse rather than the laws of a man.
Who is responsible for Creon's downfall?
Creon was responsible for his own downfall. Creon set himself upon the road to destruction when he made a law that directly contradicts the law of the gods and especially Antigonies beliefs, But by the time Creon even realizes his guilt; it is too late the death of Antigone,his son and his wife has already taken place.
What motivates Creon the most?
In Antigone, Creon is motivated primarily by a desire to maintain control of Thebes. The city is recovering from war, and he does not want to show any signs of weakness this early in his reign.
How did Creon come to power?
Creon took over the throne because Oedipus' two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, were too young to become rulers. As time passed, and the two sons aged, Eteocles claimed the throne for himself, exiling his older brother Polyneices. Polyneices then gathered a giant army and attacked Eteocles for the throne.
What lesson does Creon learn?
In Antigone, Creon learns that anger and pride cannot be allowed to overcome one's judgment.
Why does Creon change his mind in Scene 5?
Why has Creon changed his mind after listening to Tieresias? hes going to free antigone. he changed his mind because he doesnt want the gods to punish him.
How does Creon feel at the end of Antigone?
Full of pride and ambition at the start, by the play's conclusion Creon suffers the wrath of the gods, and ends, in his own words, as "no one. Nothing" (Antigone 1446).
Why does Creon fear breaking his word?
Creon: he is frightened that if he breaks his word people will think he is a bad leader. Why does Creon feel that he has to punish Antigone?
How does Antigone show civil disobedience?
Antigone's Disobedience Antigone and civil disobedience go hand in hand as she defies Creon's law to fight for her brother's right to a proper burial. She bravely marches up to face the consequences of her actions, unafraid of death, as she is caught burying the body of her deceased sibling.
What was Antigone's defense for her disobedience?
Antigone believes that the state laws should not override the god's laws. Therefore, she is not afraid if people know she goes against Creon's edict to bury her brother. She is aware of the consequences of her action – death.
Was Antigone justified in disobeying the law?
Answer and Explanation: Antigone was justified in disobeying the law by the general public, but not in the eyes of King Creon. King Creon still ruled that she was to be killed but the public viewed her actions as honourable.
In what way is Creon a tragic hero?
Creon is the tragic hero because he tries to restore order in Thebes and is a good ruler but ends up alone due to his excessive pride. Antigone is the tragic hero because she sticks to her beliefs in the Gods and family and dies because of her loyalty to them.
What does Creon say about Antigone?
In lines 599 to 601, Creon’s states that, due to his selfishness and stubbornness, he will not allow a woman, that woman being Antigone, to change his mind and defy his judgement. He declares that, if Antigone chooses to not change her ways, she will be killed, as to not waver from his own decree. Antigone therefore dies as a result of Creon’s insufferable and ignorant ruling, causing her to suffer at Creon’s hand. Creon’s ruling for the murder of Antigone also causes Haemon to suffer. Creon finds Haemon, in his last moments, mourning the loss of Antigone, “now among the dead, his father’s work,” as described by the messenger in line 1364.
Why do Creon and Antigone fight?
Both Antigone and Creon fight to the death to defend what they believe in. Also, both are afraid of the consequences they might face for not fulfilling what they believe are their duties to obey. Furthermore, neither character attempts to view the other character’s perspective, displaying the inflexibility of both. If Antigone and Creon were slightly less persistent in their beliefs, the undeniable annihilation of both may have been prevented. Although both held their ground to opposing viewpoints, their devotion to their mission is a trait most find
Why is Creon a tragic hero?
Creon’s strong feelings about Antigone burying of her brother transgressed him as the tragic hero because his stubbornness against her caused everyone to turn on him. Such as when Creon is talking to Antigone and he tells her “ In all of Thebes, you’re the only one who looks at things this way.” To which Antigone replies “They share my views, but they keep their mouths shut just for you.” This shows how Creon’s slowly being turned against because his stubbornness. Antigone admits to the burial of her brother and Creon orders her to a cave to survive as long as she can. When Creon’s son hears word of this he goes to talk to Creon and sees his stubbornness. Creon’s son Haemon kills himself when he finds Antigone dead, Creon's wife also kills herself once she hears of Haemon's death. Thus leading Creon to see the errors of his ways and leaving him in sadness over the death of his family, creating him the tragic
Why does Creon use anger?
Therefore, because of Creon’s anger, he does things that hurt the people around him, as well as hurting himself. Creon decides that he wants Antigone to die, and wants Haemon to be there when she does, “Bring out that she-devil, and let her die/ Now, with her bridegroom by to see it done!” (147). He calls Antigone a “she-devil”, that strong word choice displays how much anger Creon has towards Antigone, he is so angry that he goes as far as calling her the devil.
What is the plot of Antigone and Creon?
In the plot, Antigone decides to bury her brother, which defies the laws of Creon, the dictator of Thebes. Antigone believes she must hold her family values and the gods’ beliefs with utmost respect. Antigone refuses to deny her crime, so she is sentenced to be death by Creon.
What is the significance of the scene in Antigone Creon?
The significance of this scene is that it is the end of the story and everyone starts to fall (die), and it shows how everyone fell apart. In Antigone Creon’s wife decides to kill herself, but Creon has no idea about this. The 2nd messenger goes to tell Creon this horrible news and the outcome isn’t that great. Creon realizes the mistake he made, and realized it was his fault that his wife is dead. Creon has the guards take him away while saying, “I don’t exist any more; I’m no one.
Which is the complete downfall of Creon with no power or family, he has nothing. Making him the tragic?
Which is the complete downfall of Creon with no power or family, he has nothing. Making him the tragic hero. The juxtaposition of Creon and Antigone pushes the overall theme of actions and individual fate. Free choices, such as Antigone burying her brother, leads to the most tragic of events of “Antigone” all individuals have a choice in their fate no matter the other
The Harsh Consequences Of Antigone's Actions Of Creon
Antigone and the city’s rights are not made fairly and obeyed equally by all people. Creon uses his power to make choices that put him above everyone. Antigone’s rights and fate depends on Creon’s actions and proclamation. In Sophocles Antigone, Antigone faces harsh consequences for her actions throughout the story..
Creon Antigone Research Paper
Hamartia and Hubris "It is never reason never to yield to reason"-Sophocles, Antigone. Creon is Antigone's tragic hero as well as the antagonist. Like many other tragic heroes, Creon's tragic flaw that causes his destruction is hubris, excessive pride in oneself.
Creon's Burial In Sophocles Antigone
In Greek culture, it is a custom to bury the dead to please the gods. The Greeks also believed that when you don’t bury someone they will wonder the earth. Antigone wanted to give Polynecies a proper burial because it is right in the god’s eyes. She also wanted him to have an afterlife. She never lied to Creon when she was caught burying the body.
Gender Roles In Antigone
Gender roles play a significant part through ought the play Antigone due to the fact that men are treated on a higher scale than women. Sophocles portrays women as people with no rights nor freedom. Antigone is on a destiny for burial rights of her brother Polyneicis.
Creon Tragic Flaws
The play, Antigone, is a tragedy written by the Greek poet Sophocles. A common theme among tragedies is that they have a tragic hero, and Antigone is no different. The tragic hero of this poem is Creon, the King of Thebes. Creon is faced with the difficult task of punishing his niece, Antigone.
Arrogance In Antigone
"Arrogance is weakness disguised as strength" -Annon. In the script "Antigone", Antigone breaks a conflicting law by burrying her brother. This makes Creon, the newly crowned king, furious, causing him to make "questionable" decisions.
Creon Conflict In Antigone
In Sophocles play antigone creon pays a primary the king of Thebes. Creon's unorthodox and conflicting views lead to a morally ambiguous character. His need for common good lead to a bad mix or rage and irrational thinking.eteocles death provoques Creon causing his disapproval for antigone's brothers burial.
What does Antigone say about Creon's law?
Antigone says that Creon 's law was... (full context) ...of it. But she could not bear to leave her brother to rot. And if Creon thinks she is acting stupidly, she says, that's because Creon is a fool. (full context) ...leader of the chorus notes that Antigone is as passionate and stubborn as her father.
What is the character of Creon?
Creon Character Analysis. Creon. Brother-in-law of Oedipus, Creon becomes king of Thebes when Oedipus's two sons die while battling each other for control of the city . Creon believes in the rule of law and the authority of the state above all else. Bending the rules leads to anarchy, in his opinion, and anarchy is worse than anything.
What does Creon ask Haemon?
Creon asks Haemon if he comes in anger or obedience. Haemon says he will obey Creon .... (full context) Creon says that had he not punished Antigone's defiance of the rule of law, it would... (full context) Haemon tells Creon that it's not his place to correct the king, but that the rumors in the... (full context)
What is Ismene afraid of?
Ismene is frightened, both of Creon 's decree and of her sister's rash words. She begs Antigone to think of all of... (full context) ...plead with Antigone, but Antigone only grows angrier with her and more determined to defy Creon 's decree.
What does Haemon tell Creon?
Haemon tells Creon that it's not his place to correct the king, but that the rumors in the... (full context) Creon reacts with anger at his son's offering of advice. Again he calls Antigone a traitor.... (full context) The king and his son continue to argue.
Why is Creon afraid to speak?
He's afraid to speak because he brings bad news and is afraid of Creon 's reaction, but is at last persuaded to say what he knows. The sentries have discovered... (full context) ...the chorus suggests that this might be the work of the gods. This idea sets Creon into a rage.
What does Creon say to his attendants?
Creon calls for his attendants to take him away. He says, "I don't even exist—I'm no... (full context)
What is Creon's interest in Antigone?
As he tells Antigone, his only interest is in political and social order. Creon is bound to ideas of good sense, simplicity, and the banal happiness of everyday life. To Creon, life is but the happiness one makes, the happiness that inheres in a grasped tool, a garden bench, a child playing at one's feet.
What does Antigone say to Creon?
As the recalcitrant Antigone makes clear, by saying "yes" to state power, Creon has committed himself to acts he finds loathsome if the order of the state demands it. Antigone's insistence on her desire in face of state power brings ruin into Thebes and to Creon specifically. With the death of his family, Creon is left utterly alone in the palace.
What is the character of Creon in Antigone?
Creon Character Analysis in Antigone | SparkNotes. Antigone's uncle, the powerfully built King Creon is a weary, wrinkled man suffering the burdens of rule. Before the deaths of Oedipus and his sons, he dedicated himself to art patronage but has now surrendered himself entirely to the throne. A practical man, he firmly distances himself from ...
Is Creon left alone in Antigone?
With the death of his family, Creon is left utterly alone in the palace. His throne even robs him of his mourning, the king and his pace sadly shuttling off to a cabinet meeting after the announcement of the family's deaths. Previous section Antigone Next section The Chorus.
Does Creon want Antigone to die?
Uninterested in playing the villain in his niece's tragedy, Creon has no desire to sentence Antigone to death. Antigone is far more useful to Thebes as mother to its heir than as its martyr, and he orders her crime covered-up. Though fond of Antigone, Creon will have no choice but to but to execute her.
What is Antigone's motivation?
Both characters are ruled by powerful motivations and beliefs; however, they differ from one character to the next. Antigone’s motivation is love for her family- she puts it above all else. In fact, she is willing to sacrifice her life to defend that love.
Why did Antigone bury her brother?
Antigone goes to great lengths to bury her deceased brother, who according to an edict issued by King Creon, died in dishonor, consequent ly making it illegal for anyone to bury his body. Through her actions to comply with her motivations, it is revealed that Antigone’s actions are also fueled by her strong beliefs that, first, the gods’ laws are more powerful than any law made by man, and second, that it is better to die a heroic death than a cowardly one.
What is Creon's response to Antigone?from enotes.com
Creon is advised repeatedly that he's wrong in making his decree and condemning Antigone to death, but he responds that nothing that anybody says will change his mind. He is prideful, willful, and inflexible. He refuses to listen to reason. He's incapable of tempering the enforcement of his decree with any semblance of mercy or compassion. He rationalizes his self-interest by declaring that he's acting in the best interests of the State.
What is Creon's motivation?from enotes.com
Creon's motivation is to uphold the state above all else. The rule of law supersedes all other considerations. Polyneices, though a member of his family, broke the law when he rebelled. Therefore Polyneices must accept the consequences of dishonor that come with action taken against the state.
What does Creon see in the intrusion of a higher law?from enotes.com
Creon sees this intrusion of a higher law as a threat, not just to his own power or his government, but to civilization as a whole. Too late he realizes it is the reverse. Love before law.
What is the theme of Antigone?from enotes.com
One of the central themes of the Antigone by Sophocles is the tension between religion and politics. One of Creon's central motivations is upholding his political decisions and the law as decreed by him even when these are in conflict with social mores and religious practice.
Who warns Creon that he has angered the gods?from enotes.com
The blind seer-prophet Teiresias warns Creon that he has angered the gods and that unless he releases Antigone from the cave, the people's prayers will go unanswered, the plague in Thebes will grow worse, and Creon will lose his son.
What creature walks on 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs at noon, and 3 legs at night?from quizlet.com
What creature walks on 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs at noon, and 3 legs at night? Answer: a human
Who was the king of Thebes?from enotes.com
In Antigone, written by Sophocles in about 440 BC, Creon has become King of Thebes at the death of his nephews, Eteocles and Polyneices, who killed each other in a civil war over which one of them should rule Thebes.
