It takes a lot of courage to stand up and defend an action or idea that is forbidden by society. This is what Antigone does in Sophocles’ tragic play Antigone. She clearly disobeys King Creon’s order that no person should bury Antigone’s brother, Polynices, which is punishable by penalty of death. In this case, Antigone’s decision the correct one. Antigone did the right thing by disobeying Creon’s strict orders on burying Polynices because the unalterable laws of the gods and our morals are higher than the improper laws of man. This reaffirms Brain Vickers claim that ‘Creon is brutal and Antigone is thoroughly admirable’.
Creon has many characteristics that helped him gain the persona of being brutal. He views himself as the perfect leader, believes he is always correct, and wants total control over people. Creon believes he is the only perfect ruler for Thebes, and that he can create a better city with his presence. Creon almost has no emotional feelings towards friends and family.
Then Creon says ‘No one values friendship more highly then I: but we must remember friends made at the risk of wrecking our Ship are not real friends at all’ (Sophocles scene 1 line 26-28).
This just shows how Creon has no sympathy for even friends if it at all will hurt ‘his’ city. His heartlessness is incredible he threatens his son Haim on with killing Antigone his fianc right in front of him ‘Bring the woman out! Let her die before his eyes!’ (Sophocles ode III line 130).
The Essay on Creon Antigone by Sophocles
In Antigone, written by Sophocles, Creon dominates the play with his powerful yet arrogant personality. Even though Antigone is the name of this play, Creon, the ruling king of Thebes with a no turning back attitude, proves to be the main character. Creon rules over everyone but that does not stop the intelligent Antigone from protecting her brothers dead body. She gets caught in this illegal act ...
He is willing to subject his own flesh and blood to this just because someone broke the law.
But Creon’s pride and stubbornness get in the way of his rational decision making cause him to be a brutal king of Thebes. The gods’ laws come before mortal laws in Antigone’s point-of-view, which is what most of the Greek society believed also. In death, you will answer to your god and no man will have control of your fate in the world that lies hereafter. Therefore by obeying the gods, hopefully, will result in a happy afterlife, which are what most people strive for in ancient times and now. If man does not honor you for noble efforts, your gods’ will. Antigone’s act was admirable, she stood up to the highest of powers so she could honor her brother, knowing the consequence would be death..
