Antigone And Creon Pride Analysis

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The definition of pride is a feeling of deep pleasure from one’s own achievements. In Sophocles’ Antigone, the feeling of pride was displayed by both Antigone and Creon. Antigone had a sense of pride in her family, while Creon showed pride though his power. The gods viewed pride as a flaw, especially when it was used against them. Pride and it’s effects are the main focal point of Antigone. Antigone’s pride was considered absolute and very brave. This was because Antigone valued her family over the laws of the state. After both of her brothers were killed by in a bloody conflict, Antigone was forced to go against the law to provide Polynices with a proper burial. She stated, “I will not be caught betraying him,” (Scene I, Line 46). Antigone …show more content…
Creon valued the state over his own family. He said about Polynices, “I could never consider any man my friend who is an enemy of the state,” (Scene II, Lines 187-188). Creon said this despite Polynices being his own nephew. Once Creon had obtained the throne, he refused to back down to Antigone. He declared, “Whether she is my sister’s daughter or closer blood than my family at our shrine to Zeus, she -and her sister- shall not escape a most terrible fate,” (Scene III, Lines 486-488). Creon took pride in his position and power. “I now hold all the power and the throne,” (Scene II, Line 173). He also asked his son, Haemon, “Must someone other than myself tell me how to rule this land,” (Scene IV, Line 736). Creon was often found mocking the gods. He told Antigone that the gods would not protect her. Creon said about Antigone, “Let her sing about her Zeus, god of kindred blood,” (Scene IV, Lines …show more content…
The gods saw pride as a great asset when it was used to honor the the right people and things. People who used pride to benefit themselves were often punished. By the time Creon realized this, it was too late. First his son died, “Haemon has perished, bloodied by a royal hand,” (Scene VII, Line 1175). Then his wife expired, “Your wife, the true master of this corpse, is dead,” (Scene VII, Line 1282). Pride, and the effects of too much, was what the plot of Antigone focused on. Antigone acted to please her family and the gods while Creon acted to please himself. Both Antigone and Creon were incredibly strong with outstanding will-power, but only Antigone’s mind was in the right place. The gods punished Creon for his pride by killing his son and wife. Being proud of one’s actions is dignified as long as those actions are considered
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