Compare Antigone And Oedipus The King

1390 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Character analysis of Creon in King Oedipus

Overpowering and overbearing rulers can blur their judgment of what is right. Taking leadership to the extreme can cause a person to act in ways that do not correspond with their personal beliefs. This problem comes up a number of times in Sophocles plays, Antigone and Oedipus the king. Creon, the second king of Thebes, who is also the uncle of Antigone and Ismene, is a ruler who only cares for himself. Oedipus, the previous king, cares for the well- being of the people and views them as equals. Although Creon transforms over the course of both plays, he is still an uncaring tyrant leader whereas Oedipus is a more humane leader. Initially Creon and Oedipus put forth an overbearing sense of determination that can be the catastrophic flaw that …show more content…

When Oedipus first heard about the oracles’ prophecy that he eventually will kill his father and will marry his mother, he was determined to escape his fate. He left his homeland of Corinth in hope of a new start. Then once he arrived at the city of Thebes, he solved the Sphinx’s riddle. After this encounter Oedipus’ pride had reached a new level. He was praised and worshipped by the people of Thebes, which led to the marriage of Queen Jocasta. While being crowned king, he also learns that someone had murdered the previous king, Laius. Speaking upon this tragedy, he …show more content…

I am agony- where am I going? Where on earth? Where does all this agony hurl me? Where’s my voice? - Winging, swept away on a dark tide- My destiny, my dark power, what a leap you made! (239)
Oedipus is vastly ashamed and devastated by his actions and finding out about the loss of his father and his mother, Oedipus now recognizes that his huge ego and over determination was blinding him from the truth. To end his misery he chooses to blind by stabbing his eyes with the needle of a broach. In conclusion, similar to Creon, he learns the tough way that having too much pride and being over determined can lead to sightless decisions that can result in an unspeakable demise. Even though Creon and Oedipus are completely opposite, their character traits and eventual fate are somewhat similar. In Antigone, Creon starts out as a harsh, brutal leader and Oedipus is the complete opposite. Later on we see that Oedipus develops into the person that Creon once was. One thing that stands out the most about them is how their quick to react but not in a good way. In Antigone, Creon blames the Sentry for burying polynesis,
CREON: Still talking? You talk too much! A born nuisance-
SENTRY: Maybe so, but I never did this thing, so help

Show More
Related

  • Comparing the Strategy of a Runner with that of King Oedipus of Oedipus Rex and Creon of Antigone

    1872 Words  | 4 Pages

    Oedipus and Creon are two new rulers that seek to establish their legitimacy to the authority of the Thebes’ throne. Oedipus sought to find approval and identification with the people of Thebes by ending a plague. Creon emphasized national unity and obedience to laws that benefit the state. Similar to the runners of separate types of races Oedipus and Creon approach the problem of establishing authority in different ways. Oedipus has the mindset of a sprinter and approached each arising problem with the same tactics. Creon is likened to a distance runner that is trying to have his team win a track meet. Viewing the characters as different types of runners allows for insight as to justification why each character fails to gain the legitimate authority they desire.

    Read More

  • Oedipus Cycle Analysis Of Creon As A Tragic Hero

    961 Words  | 2 Pages

    Creon’s declination begins in Oedipus at Colonus when his infatuation with power and control begins to arise, in turn bringing forth a rigid side to his character. The battle over the kingship of Thebes is a pivotal point in Creon’s development. He goes to drastic measures when threatening the lives of Oedipus’ daughters in order to bring him back to Thebes, and in conversation with Oedipus, Creon says, “Your daughters: one of them I have just now / Had seized and carried off; now I’ll take this one” (129). His forceful and domineering actions towards his brother-in-law begin to peel back the layers of his intentions. In Oedipus Rex, Creon did not want the throne, nor did he enjoy attention, but he now finds pleasure in being the head figure of leadership. The first signs of Creon’s craving for personal pleasures are unravelled as he begins to act under the influence of his Id, “a demand to take care of needs immediately” (Boeree). The animalistic tendencies, destructive nature, and amoral actions are all induced by the Id, and Creon unconsciously begins to tap into that part of his mind as he strives to gain power. All other emotions and opinions of others are disregarded and Creon makes it his goal to become king, seemingly stopping at nothing t...

    Read More

  • Comparing Oedipus and Antigone

    756 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sophocles’ play Oedipus and Antigone have many parallel themes and conflicts. Certain characters and events are mirrored and go through similar sequences in both plays. One conflict that is prevalent in both plays is the idea of loyalty. In Oedipus, many are loyal to Oedipus, including the city of Thebes itself. In Antigone, there is much strife in the relationships as well, and the idea of loyalty arises.

    Read More

  • Oedipus the King

    547 Words  | 2 Pages

    Oedipus is shown to be a well-liked and trusted king among all his townspeople. Solving the riddle of the Sphinx and saving Thebes brought him great fame and popularity. When time came to save the town from Laios’ killer, Oedipus relied much on his intellect. He searched for information about the night of the murder from Creon and Teiresias, but as he learned more details, Oedipus realized not only that he was the killer but also that he married his mother. Throughout his inquiry he believed he was doing good for his people as well as himself, but eventually it brought him shame. Oedipus was humiliated and disgusted and stated, “…kill me; or hurl me into the sea, away from men’s eyes for ever(p882, 183).'; Oedipus’ wanted to be isolated from the people of Thebes because all his respect and fame was destroyed by his fate.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Antigone And Creon

    1190 Words  | 3 Pages

    Creon adapts Oedipus’s habit of accusing and false judgment. Creon is suppose to be a leader, but his actions proved that he was a follower. He felt proud of himself and felt like he was leading the people of Thebes in the right direction. He has reason behind all the laws he has made and the types of punishment that he gives. False judgment, accusations and his flaws(hubris), was the main reason Creon’s life went downhill and he was following in Oedipus’s foot steps resulting in the same conclusions. Creon’s misery at the end of the play could have been avoided if he would have listened to Tiresias, but he failed to see this. Creon was more forceful than Oedipus ever was. He had to learn the hard way because he lost everything at the end just because he did not take the advice given to him. Hopefully Creon learned that as being King, you have to learn from your mistakes and know when you have done something wrong. Everything that you say is not always going to be right. Power can really change a person and it is not always in a good way. When you let power get in the way of family and friends, you will have nothing at the end. Creon trusted no one that tried to help him. Creon showed a lot of respect for Oepidus because he was the king and he knew this was the right thing to do. To be shown respect as a king, you must be loyal and open minded to other individuals. Creon did not learn from his mistakes until the end of the

    Read More

  • Morality In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

    1507 Words  | 4 Pages

    Born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta in the city of Thebes, Oedipus is surrounded with controversy after a prophecy shows that Oedipus will be destined to murder his father and marry his mother. Fearing the potential consequences of the prophecy, Oedipus’ parents made the decision to abandon their baby at the top of a mountain to die using one of their servants. The servant’s consciousness, however, causes him to instead deliver the baby to a shepherd, who in turn sends him to King Polybius and Queen Merope of the kingdom Corinth. After raising the child as their own, Oedipus becomes suspicious that these weren’t his biological parents and leaves Corinth upon hearing the prophecy by the oracle Delphi. As he unknowingly travels to his birth city, Thebes, Oedipus murdered a man along with his servants after a dispute between them. Before entering Thebes, Oedipus is confronted by the guardian of the city’s Gates, the Sphinx who presents him with a riddle. If he solves the riddle, he will be able to pass. If he doesn’t, he’ll die. Oedipus’s superior intelligence and cleverness allows him to easily solve the riddle, however unbeknownst to him will be a foreshadowing of his tragic downfall. The citizens of Thebes praise Oedipus and Queen Jocasta offers to marry him since her husband was mysteriously murdered. Upon marry Jocasta and becoming the King of Thebes, a powerful plague decimates the citizens of

    Read More

  • Theme Of Honor In Oedipus Rex

    1196 Words  | 3 Pages

    Oedipus Rex is a Greek play written by Sophocles. The play is set in Thebes; Thebes is infected with a plague that is killing its crops and unborn children. This plague is caused by the prophecy. The prophecy states that Oedipus would kill his father and wed his mother. Laius threw out Oedipus when he was a baby to avoid this fate, but he failed because Oedipus was not killed. Oedipus was raised as a prince in Corinth. One day he was told the prophecy and feared that he would kill his father Polybus. While running away from Corinth to escape the prophecy, Oedipus killed Laius. When Oedipus arrived in Thebes, he freed the people from the sphinx. He was named king and married Jocasta. Towards the end of the play, Oedipus finds out that he had fulfilled the prophecy and is exiled from Thebes.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Creon In Oedipus The King And Antigone

    1084 Words  | 3 Pages

    　　Creon’s character in “Oedipus the King” and “Antigone” have many similarities and some notable differences. Creon’s character in Oedipus the King, shows that he has a great sense of duty and family. In “Oedipus the King”, Creon is also shown to be very merciful, level-headed and responsible to some extent. In “Antigone”, Creon still upholds his great sense of duty and family, but is shadowed by his niece and the protagonist of “Antigone”, Antigone. Creon is shadowed by his Antigone because she is perceived to be the protagonist of “Antigone”,while Creon, being against Antigone, makes him the antagonist, although he just wants to uphold the laws that were set in place. Creon’s sense of duty seems to have grown

    Read More

  • Free Essays: Comparing the Themes of Antigone and Oedipus the King

    585 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Themes of Antigone and Oedipus Antigone and Oedipus, written by Sophocles, are dramatic plays with a tragic ending. The main theme for Antigone is that people sometimes have to learn the hard way from their mistakes. This theme is expressed in the final four lines of the play. They read, There is no happiness where there is no wisdom; No wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, and proud men of old age learn to be wise.

    Read More

  • Oedipus Rex And Antigone Analysis

    1084 Words  | 3 Pages

    When reading two of the three Sophocles it became extremely clear to me that with power comes great responsibility. Leaders become obsessed with their leadership position, take advantage, and are willing to do anything to maintain the great power. Men specifically are the dominant superior role and women as considered inferior during the time these plays take place. Rulers are men; they make the laws and everyone has to follow them. This is all demonstrated throughout the course of the plays, Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Each play tells a different story about a tragic hero and his or her downfall. In the play, Oedipus Rex, the main character, Oedipus, goes through life completely unaware that he actually fulfilled his prophecy and is the curse

    Read More

  • Oedipus the King: Pride and Determination

    532 Words  | 2 Pages

    Oedipus’ personality clearly reflects pride and determination throughout the play. When Oedipus heard the oracles’ prediction that he was to kill his father and marry his mother, he was determined to prevent the prophecy. Therefore he left his homeland of Corinth never to return. Then when he solved the Sphinx’s riddle, Oedipus’ pride rose to a new level. He was praised by the people of Thebes, resulting in his marriage to Jocasta, Queen of Thebes. Oedipus also shows his determination when in search of Laius’ murderer. He stated that he would avenge the King’s death as if Laius were his own father. He cursed the murderer, announcing “May he drag out an evil death-in-life in misery.” These characteristics of pride and determination, which Oedipus emanates throughout the play, may appear to be positive attributes to one’s personality. However, Oedipus’ actions, based on these characteristics, are what led him to his eventual downfall and suffrage.

    Read More

  • Comparing Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone

    485 Words  | 1 Pages

    In Oedipus at Colonus (OC), one sees the beginning of Creon's decline. Creon has now come to occupy the throne that once belonged to Oedipus. It soon becomes apparent that his vision of the proper role of a king has changed to accommodate his new-found position. The emphasis shifts from that of a king who must rule wisely to one who must rule unyieldingly. The kingship becomes a selfserving instrument for Creon in his attempt to secure the return of Oedipus and the good fortune prophesied to accompany him. Creon's notion of justice is severely distorted in OC. He becomes monomaniacal - conducting his affairs with tyranny and belligerence. For example, he threatens to harm Oedipus' daughters if the blind beggar does not return to Thebes. His view of rightness and fairness is no longer in line with that of his subjects.

    Read More

  • Oedipus the King: Not Guilty of Any Crime

    517 Words  | 2 Pages

    While still traveling, Oedipus had come to the city of Thebes. There, he saved the city from the wrath of the Sphinx by solving her riddle. Seen as a savior by the citizens of Thebes, Oedipus was made king and subsequently, the husband of Jocasta. Oedipus and his wife-mother ruled together and had four children while never knowing of the true relationship between each other.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Knowledge In Oedipus

    1002 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex deals with the insatiable human need knowledge, most importantly the need for self-knowledge. In this case, the knowledge Oedipus craves will unknowingly and ultimately destroy him. He is so invested in figuring out why Thebes has fallen ill, who killed Laius, and where he comes from that he goes against the counseling of his wife, Creon, the servants, and the people of Thebes.

    Read More

  • The Role of Creon in Sophocles' Oedipus the King

    775 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shortly thereafter Oedipus learns the truth. He gouges out his very own eyes when he sees that Jocasta killed herself. At this point his attitude towards Creon changes and he requests his presence. Creon automatically assumes the role as king. Oedipus tries to convince Creon to put him into exile, but Creon feels that he should check with the gods first.

    Read More

More about Compare Antigone And Oedipus The King

Open Document