Antigone

The tragedy of Antigone was written around 469 BC by a man name Sophocles. This play has Greek origin and is best performed in what we call a stadium. Antigone is a play of honor, trickery, and punishment. There are many influential people in this play who are met with destruction and opposition. One of these tragic heroes would be King Creon; the noble and influential king of Thebes.

King Creon is influential by the way he commands other and is treated in return. People follow him, waiting to be spoken to, or to complete his wishes. He is spoken to with respect, as the Sentry states, "King, may I speak?"(502) This one line shows respect and honor towards King Creon, from the Sentry. This Sentry only wants to be acknowledged in pleasing the king.

Peleus raping Thetis, Nereids. Attic black-figure ...

Herakles fighting the Amazons. Attic black-figure ...

Caivano Painter

In many ways Creon is met with opposition from his own son Haimon. Haimon is in love with Antigone, and defies his fathers' words to stay away from Antigone. Haimon is angry when his father sentences Antigone. Out of anger and spite he states, "Not here, no, she will not die here, king."(515) After stating that Haimon runs off to the forest where Antigone is imprisoned. His father follows, and they meet in the forest. Fixated anger flowing through Haimon; he attempts to stab his father, but fails and kills himself. When hearing of her son's death, Haimons mother commits suicide as her son did. Creon's destruction and errors lead him to the statement, "Oh pity!... more than I can bare\ O my wife, my son!"(528) Creon has many personal flaws. One of these flaws was when Teiresias advised Creon to change, but Creon refused. He accused Teiresias for taking a bribe to tell him information about what may happen if he did not change. Teiresias...angry and appalled stated that Creon had gone mad." You are sick, Creon! You are deathly sick!"(523) Not realizing what information was given to him, Creon continued his ways; unchanged.

In many ways Creon has proven himself a tragic hero. He was influential. Creon was met with destruction and opposition from many. He has many flaws and problems. Creon is far from perfect, but played a vital role to the story.

Creon decrees while Oedipus bleeds

English: USS Creon (ARL-11) at anchor, date and pl...

Cadmus Sowing the Dragon's teeth, by Maxfield Parr...