The Downfall Of Creon In Sophocles Antigone

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Just like Antigone, Creon in Sophocles’ Antigone also comes into acquaintance with pride and similarly experiences a downfall thus revealing a message about himself and his weaknesses. In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Creon’s character initially starts as a humble person who has little interest in status and power. Eventually, when Creon tastes the benefits of power and the controlling enjoyment it brings, pride begins to creep in and encircles him with selfish desires. After the death of Antigone’s brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, Creon rises to power and begins his prideful actions by recreating the land of Thebes. By creating laws that allow him to counteract the gods’ laws, he becomes prideful and views himself as the one responsible to lead his kingdom to success. …show more content…

One example is when Creon ignores his son’s, Haemon, warnings against the dangers of his action and says to Haemon “you’ll pay- / taunting, insulting me! Bring her out, / that hateful-she’ll die now, here, / in front of his eyes, beside her groom!” (Sophocles 851-854). With Creon’s decision to kill Antigone, it causes a chain of death; first starting with Haemon’s death, followed by the death of Creon’s wife, Eurydice, and finally ending with Antigone’s death. Even so, Creon still takes pride over his decision and condemns those who defy his laws. At this point, Creon creates his own downfall and displays himself as a cruel person without mercy. By stating “Go down below and love, / if love you must-love the

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