Antigone and Creon 's Vanity Essay

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The Problem of Creon’s Pride

In Sophocles’ drama Antigone, the society of Thebes is troubled by yet another set of standards and rulers. As the plot is introduced and conflict established, Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, remains committed to the standing laws of his society rather than adjusting the rules to allow for the heartfelt needs of the Antigone and those who defend her honorable actions. Creon is a strong ruler—but he turns into a bullheaded tyrant and winds up becoming a shattered man who ends up alone. King Creon misuses power and poisons himself with pride, resulting in his downfall as well as the suffering of others.

Sophocles first depicts Creon as having a sense of justice and respect for the people of Thebes. He rules with an eye for unity and community, declaring that “whoever places a friend above the good of his own country, he is nothing” (Sophocles 203-205). While Creon wants the best for his city, his pride, however, causes him to make tragic decisions that lead others to suffer.

Instead of listening to wise council, Creon follows the only sources he trusts— his own heart and mind. When Antigone tries to bury Polyneices, he orders her to be entombed alive and then ignores his own son’s instruction to reverse his order.

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Because of Creon’s arrogance, he denounces the humane advice stating that “the city is the king’s…that’s the law” (Sophocles 825). From this statement, readers can infer that Creon rules for his self-glorification rather than for the benefit of the citizens. He remains rigid about enforcing his self-made laws and thus exhibits his poor judgment and causes harm for Antigone. A humble ruler should have taken Antigone’s situation into consideration and sought the wisdom of his comrades.

Tiresias explains to Creon the problem he himself had created, and urges him to be unselfish and reverse his ruling. Tiresias explains that “a man can turn his back on folly, misfortune too, if he tries to make amends, however low he's fallen, and stops his bullnecked ways. Stubbornness brands you for stupidity… pride is a crime” (Sophocles 1135). With these words, Creon understands his mistake but is ultimately too late. His unfounded pride and self-confidence delays….....

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