Creon has decreed that the traitor Polynices In Greek mythology, Polynices was the son of Oedipus and Jocasta and the younger brother of Eteocles. When his father, Oedipus, was discovered to have killed his father and married his mother, he was expelled from Thebes, leaving his sons Eteocles and Polynices to rule. Because of …Polinices
What is the conflict of the play Antigone?
The play tells the story of Antigone's conflict with the newly appointed Theban king, Creon. Creon has replaced Oedipus, the central character of the previous two plays in the series, as king. He takes control of the city following a civil war between Oedipus's two sons, Polynices and Eteocles, both of whom died in the conflict.
What is the setting of the play Antigone?
This tragedy premiered at the Dionysia festival in Athens around the year 441 BCE, winning first prize. The play tells the story of Antigone's conflict with the newly appointed Theban king, Creon. Creon has replaced Oedipus, the central character of the previous two plays in the series, as king.
How does Creon take control of the city of Thebes?
He takes control of the city following a civil war between Oedipus's two sons, Polynices and Eteocles, both of whom died in the conflict. In the beginning of the play Creon issues a decree honoring Eteocles for defending the city while leaving Polynices's body to rot on the battlefield for his decision to attack Thebes.
How is Antigone self-righteous and proud?
Antigone is selfishly self-righteous and proud. She is blinded by her desire to see Polynices buried despite the fact he tried to invade Thebes. Not only does she not listen to the people who care about her, such as her sister Ismene, but she abandons them by choosing to end her own life.
What is Creon's edict?
As the play begins, Creon has placed an edict over the entire city. What is the edict? Polynices was considered a traitor by Creon for attacking Thebes. His body is not permitted to be buried.
Why does Antigone object Creon's edict?
Antigone attacks Creon's edicts on the grounds that his interpretation of justice and the will of Zeus is invalid. She may be correct in her assessment, but in saying so she assumes the power to independently interpret justice and the will of the gods, just as Creon did.
What is Creon's first edict as king?
After the war that killed both Polyneices and Eteocles, Creon rose to power and took over the throne. His first decree as the emperor was to bury Eteocles and forbid the burial of Polyneices, leaving the body to rot on the surface.
What is Creon's decree in Antigone?
A decree is a statement made by an authority that dictates behavior. Creon has made a decree that Eteocles will be buried with high military honor, but he has stated that Eteocles' brother, Polyneices, will have no proper burial nor will anyone be allowed to mourn him.
Why does Antigone object to Creon's edict Why does she believe her brother should be buried?
Why does Antigone assume that Creon's order is directed against her and Ismene? Antigone feels that Creon's command to not bury her brother is targeted at her because if anyone would try to bury him, it would be only be family.
What is the main conflict between Antigone and Creon?
The main source of conflict between Antigone and Creon is the issue of the burial of Antigone's dead brother. Both of her brothers were killed in battle, however one brother fought against their home city and was considered a traitor. Creon issued a law that whoever tries to bury this man will be put to death.
What law edict does Creon make at the beginning of the play?
The first is the natural law that a corpse must be buried with respect and the person should be mourned by his or her loved ones. The second is the martial law decreed by Creon, summarized in these lines.
What law has Creon as king issued?
Creon set a law forbidding the burial of a traitor, Polyneices. However Antigone had broken that law and Creon is to be punished for Antigone's death. Some may see Creon's stubbornness as a vital factor in her death, but Creon changed and was only establishing justice.
What is the consequence of disobeying Creon's law edict?
What is the punishment for disobeying the edict? Death by public stoning.
Why does Creon let Antigone free?
Answer and Explanation: Creon decides to free Antigone because the prophet Tiresias comes to tell him that the gods are preparing to punish Thebes for Creon's disobedience of their laws regarding the proper burial of bodies.
What is King Creon's decree quizlet?
What is King Creon's decree? That Polyneices, a traitor of Thebes, not be given a Greek burial. He was to be put in a field to be eaten by birds.
What is Creon's decree for Polyneices?
In the play, Antigone, by Sophocles, Polyneices and Eteocles, have killed each other and Creon orders Eteocles to have an honored burial while Polyneices is to be left without a burial.
What is Creon's reason for prohibiting the burial of Polyneices body?
Creon exiled Oedipus from Thebes after Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. Creon also declared that Polyneices would not receive a proper burial because he committed treason against his own city.
What is the relationship between Antigone and Creon?
The relationship between Creon and Antigone in the play written by Sophocles was that they were uncle and niece to each other.
How is Creon a tyrant in Antigone?
Creon did not listen to the citizen's concerns for Antigone. His only concern was for how he would look as a ruler if he went back on his law. Creon became a tyrant because he ruled for himself and disregarded the voice of the people.
How does Creon change throughout Antigone?
Throughout Antigone, Creon changes from a hot-tempered, prideful man that puts his will above the laws of the gods to a broken man praying for a swift death. The change begins with the prophet Teiresias convincing Creon that he has offended the gods and must set things right to avoid catastrophe.
What does Creon believe about Antigone?
Creon believes that he is right in executing his sister’s daughter when all of his workers, sentries, sons, and subjects know that he should not have sentenced Antigone to death for his own goals . The chorus of the play, which represents the thoughts of the commoners, begin to question Creon’s actions when they say, “Then she must die?” ( scene II line 183). This suggests that the chorus has begun to waver in their trust of Creon, and proves that his thoughts have not been fully examined by himself because he thought that what he was doing was completely just but the chorus thinks
Why did Antigone quote the phrase "No one could grieve for or bury Polyneices"?
I used this quote from Antigone because it properly states Antigone’s viewpoint on Creon’s decree. As told in the story, Creon's decree was that no one could grieve for or bury Polyneices. Creon made this proclamation because when Eteocles and Polyneices fought over Thebes, Eteocles was pronounced king and exiled Polyneices from Thebes. Polyneices, in turn, formed an army to take on the city, ending up with Eteocles and Polyneices killing each other, thus putting Creon in the position of power. Creon then proceeds to label Polyneices a traitor and finally, makes his decree.
Why does Roderigo fight Cassio?
In order for Roderigo to remove Othello and Cassio out of his way he listens to Iago’s evil scheme. Roderigo must get into a fight with Cassio because he is competition and, so he loses his reputation and his post as lieutenant. Roderigo has been forced by Iago to sell all of his belongings to pay Iago in false hope of getting Desdemona and to carry out evil.
Who said the Greek tragedy is not good versus evil?
Georg Hegel, a very influential philosopher once said that the conflicts in Greek Tragics are not good versus evil but rather two different point of view taking a stand for themselves. The concept of the play is the conflict between Antigone and Creon, the story developed based on their conflict. But the conflict itself seems only to be the result of belief perseverance ──one uphold to one's initial belief even after receiving new points of views. Antigone and Creon both thought they believed they were following the will of the gods and the their own inner moral standard.
Why did Isabella order Claudio to die?
In the central of the play, Isabella ordered Claudio to ready for death as she failed to beg Angelo for Claudio’s freedom. Isabella notify Claudio, “Yes, thou must die. Thou art too noble to conserve a life in base appliances” through this Isabella confidently says that Claudio would be respectful toward her without asking her to give up on her chastity for his life. As giving up on her chastity is the only option to save Claudio’s life. However, Claudio continues through the alliteration of “Sweet sister, let me live.”
What is the tragedy of Antigone?
Sophocles ' play Antigone puts out a dramatic take on Greek tragedy as they tell the story of a dysfunctional family and their fates. Thrown into the throne of the royal family of Thebes, new King Creon waltzed the palace with a large chip on his shoulder. He ruled his kingdom out of fear with an iron fist and a heavy temper. Creon had his chance at a 'Happily Ever After ' if he could only control his obstinacy. Of course, the king 's pride clouds his judgment and leads to his utter downfall and cataclysmic realization of his faults. Through his story, it is evident that Creon is the tragic hero of the story Antigone because he exhibits…show more content…
What happened at the end of Antigone?
At the end of the play, Creon comes to realize his tragic flaw after he ultimately caused all of his family and Antigone deaths. Creon lost his will to live after this point, unwilling to forgive himself for the attroisty he caused. The same can be said for Antigone. She was born into royalty with her father, Oedipus, being the son of the former king and Creon was one of his brothers. She also has a hamartia of being too obdurated on the burial of her brother Polynices.
What caused Creon to be so angry?
The stress of liability under the powers of the throne caused a lot of built up rage to come out through Creon during the time of the prince 's deaths. The king carried a very palpable fault with him which shined through in this rulings and reactions about Polyneices ' burial. However, a personality flaw is one of the most self-evident characteristics of a tragic hero. Creon 's hubris, or extreme pride, leads him to many irrational choices and conversations with his closest loved ones. At the news of his nephew 's deaths, Creon makes a sudden decision on behalf of the men stating that "Polyneices... is to have no burial. No man is to touch him or say the least prayer for him" to which the crowd reacted ultimately stunned at his severity and irrationality ( Sophocles 3). Though the citizens agree that Polyneices ' acts against his brother were heinous, they are shocked at Creon 's law, but follow along in fear of their new king. Upon receiving intel of Antigone 's crimes against Creon 's law, he speaks to his son, Haimon about her sentencing. Creon feels the need to stick by his formerly said punishment, overlooking the family connections he has to the perpetrator. He becomes too arrogant to ever think about her side of the story and instead focuses on his image. To Haimon, Creon says "I suppose she 'll plead "family ties." Well, let her. If I permit my own family to rebel, how shall I earn the world 's obedience? ...If we must lose, let 's lose to a man, at least! Is a
What did Oedipus tell his wife?
Oedipus tells his wife that, at a young age, it was prophesize that he will kill his father and make children with his own mother. The prophets also said that he will kill his father. Oedipus was angered at these accusations and threaten the prophet with death. He utterly disgusted with these accusations that he enters starts to point the finger at everybody but himself. ”
What happened to Oedipus' pride?
Oedipus' pride is turned to shame as he murdered of his father and his incestuous relationship with his mother was brought forward. He begins to lose those things that are most precious to him. First, he loses his mother and wife as Jocasta is found "hanging, the twisted rope around her neck" (1294). Next he loses his sight as he takes Jocasta's "gold chased brooches fastening her robe" (1299) and stabbed his eyes out. Finally, he loses his kingdom as Teiresias' prophecy is fulfilled: "blindness for sight and beggary for riches his exchange" (503-504).
Who was Romeo's best friend?
Without a doubt, the most destruction was made by Mercutio. Mercutio was Romeo’s best friend, which led to Romeo’s underestimation transform into angry rage once Tybalt killed Mercutio. His decision to fight Tybalt put himself amid an ongoing quarrel between Romeo and Tybalt, causing tension between the Capulets and Montagues, and disconnecting Romeo from Juliet.
Why does Creon criticize Antigone?
As Haemon tried to defend Antigone, Creon criticizes him for falling down to a woman. “Therefore, rulers must be supported, and we must not yield to women. It would be better, if it had to be, to fall at a man’s hands and not to be called worse than a woman”. Creon states that he would be willing to give up power if Antigone was a man because it would ruin his reputation if he does so. He identifies women as “weak” and uses gender-based insults against Haemon because women were considered lower than men. His fear of giving power to a woman emphasizes his belief in masculine superiority. If a king were to give in to a woman, his people would start to lose respect for him. This is the reason behind his stubborn attitude towards Antigone. Creon feels that nationalism, power, and reputation should be put above everything else, however, Antigone disagrees with this.
What is the difference between Antigone and Creon?
However, their values distinctly contrast each other. They have their own opinion of what is right and what is wrong. Creon values nationalism and power over everything else. On the other hand, Antigone strongly feels that family and Gods are most important. Creon comes off as a tyrant to his people and suffers a more pitiful outcome than Antigone. From this, one can conclude that Sophocles is in favor of Antigone rather than Creon.
Who wrote Antigone?
The play Antigone is written by Sophocles. The protagonist, Antigone, and the antagonist, Creon, goes against each other regarding the issue of Antigone’s brother’s burial. Antigone’s and Creon’s actions are fully supported by their own values. Considering his style in the play, Sophocles appears to favor Antigone over Creon.
What does Antigone say to Creon?
Antigone is not willing to go along with a cover up from Creon. She says “Uncle Creon, you are going to a lot of trouble for no good reason. You must know that I 'll do it all over again tonight.” (Anouilh 17) Antigone’s persistent free will is what gets her to this point in the story. In Sophocles version she is astonished Creon has proclaimed death on her for doing what she sees is right and in Anouilh’s version she is opposed to Creon covering up what she did. Antigone argues with Creon trying to justify her actions saying “those who are not buried wander eternally and find no rest.” (Anouilh 17) Antigone while defiant was no liar, because she did what she believed in.…
What is the play Antigone about?
In the play Antigone, Creon, the ruler of Thebes, makes several decisions that are fueled by fear, but also create fear in the people. Antigone who is the daughter of Oedipus, makes a defiant decision to bury her brother against Creon’s wishes. When she is put on a trial, she recognizes that Creon is using her to make people do what he wants, “All these men here would praise me, were their lips not frozen shut with fear [from Creon]” (210). Creon is like Oedipus and is motivated by their fear. While Oedipus makes bad choices, it is based on the prophecy and the dread of what will happen if they do not expel the “plagued” person from Thebes.…
What does Antigone say about burying her brother?
Along with her brothers wishes she feels that burying him is the way the gods had said to do, and Antigone did not want to disobey the gods. She states “Nor did I think your edict had such a force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakeable traditions”…
Why does Ismene want to help Antigone?
“Say I am mad and give my madness rein to wreck itself; the worst that can befall is but to die an honorable death.” Antigone would rather face death, and die honorably, than desert her brother. Ismene denies Antigone’s request to help her, because she feels that it is to risky, and does not want to defy King Creon’s…
Why did Polyneices die?
Polyneices and his brother, Eteocles, were cursed by Oedipus in that they would both die fighting each other. If her brother Polyneices had not died in rebellion against Eteocles, then he would have been buried in the way that Antigone wanted. However, due to his lack of any form of burial, Antigone felt it was necessary for her to defy the law and bury him. This was the direct cause of her death, and although her death could have occured through any number of means, Polyneices indirectly caused her to make this the reason. From this, we can see that in Antigone, characters were capable of influencing each other's…
Overview of the Play Antigone
Written by the famed ancient Greek playwright, Sophocles, Antigone is the final play of The Oedipus Cycle. This tragedy premiered at the Dionysia festival in Athens around the year 441 BCE, winning first prize. The play tells the story of Antigone's conflict with the newly appointed Theban king, Creon.
Creon vs. Antigone: Analysis
The conflict at the heart of the play is between Creon and Antigone. Creon believes that Polynices should not receive a proper burial due to his role in assaulting the city of Thebes. Antigone loves her brother and wishes his soul to find peace. She violates Creon's decree, burying Polynices.
