Antigone By David Greene

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Recommended: Antigone character analysis

THE QUALITIES OF CREON

As readers, we have to make judgments and interpretations of different characters. In

the book, Antigone, translated by David Greene, there is a character by the name of

Creon. While reading Antigone, some important descriptions about Creon become

apparent. He views himself as the perfect leader, believes he is always correct, and wants

control over people.

Creon believes he is the only perfect ruler for Thebes. He believes that he can create a

better city with his presence: "I would not be silent if I saw ruin,…" (p.168 l.203-204).

"I would not count any enemy of my country as a friend-" (p.168 l.205-206). He further

continues by stating "I will make her greater still" (p.168 l.210). In this last quote Creon

declares that he will improve the city (she) by his rulings. Creon describes how his

qualities make him a good ruler and how he would act in different situations.

Furthermore, Creon views himself a good leader because he believes he has the best

attributes and no one can compare to him. Creon shows his over-confidence when he

boasts of his role as the perfect ruler of Thebes.

In addition, Creon believes he is always correct in his judgments and his beliefs.

Before the sentry even explains the event that has occurred, the sentry states that

he is only a messenger and that he has not committed the act. Yet Creon still accuses

the sentry of receiving money for the act and threatens to punish him. "That will teach

you in the days to come from what you may draw profit…ill-gotten gains ruin more than

they save" (p.172-173 l.342-346). Creon does not think logically that the sentry would

not turn himself in for such an impious act. Consequently, the Chorus suggests that the

act may have been committed by God. Creon stops this "nonsense" conversation

immediately and rebukes that Zeus and the gods would not honor criminals. Creon seems

to believe he knows everything and stubbornly refuses to listen to others. He goes as far

as not believing his son, Haemon, when Haemon informs his father of the reputation he

has created to the citizens. Creon believes that "It seems this boy (Haemon) is on the

woman’s side (Antigone)" (p.190 l. 803). Creon refuses to believe what Haemon says

and attacks Haemon for siding with Antigone. Creon’s stubbornness brings about his own

downfall when he chooses not to believe Teiresias, the blind prophet.

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