Creon's Suicide In Sophocles Antigone

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My countrymen, we are gathered here today to discuss the actions and thoughts of a cruel king and a traitor of the state. Both considered guilty in some shape, form, or fashion; however, could there be one of the two whose actions were done out of love for a brother and respect to the gods with the support of her own people and the local soothsayer of Thebes? What good intentions did the other have when he caused two lovers, one being his own son, to commit suicide? Today, we will explore how Antigone’s motivations and intentions justify her actions against the immoral King Creon. Antigone demonstrates her immeasurable love for her “dear brother” Polyneices when she sacrifices her own life to save his soul even though his body has died (95). …show more content…
The laws of the gods have been present in the lives of the people far longer than the laws of Creon. She reinforces this point by saying, “no one knows when they first saw the light” (508). Haemon sides with Antigone on this issue by calling Creon’s decision into question. Haemon asks Creon, “I see my father offending justice… when you trample down the honors of the gods” (835). Antigone also describes the outcome of not burying Polyneices, stating that the gods would consider it an “outrage” and a “dishonor” aimed directly at them (88, 90). As for every act of disobedience, there are consequences. The laws are meant serve as “great unwritten, unshakable traditions” put in place by Zeus that mortals have to follow in order to avoid retribution from the gods (504-506, 511). Antigone explains to Creon that if she were not to bury Polyneices, she could also face eternal damnation as it is her duty to bury her brother. She will have more time to please the living on earth than in the kingdom of the gods down below, where she will lie forever (89-92). Think about you and your god. Would you consider breaking the laws and practices of your religion, something so close to your central being, because of an egotistical, tyrannical king? For some of you, your religion may date all the way back to your birth. It has stayed with you over many years, now all of a …show more content…
They agree amongst themselves that no woman ever deserved death less than Antigone. Even the leader of the chorus advises Creon to take Haemon’s wise words into consideration saying, “You’d do well to learn from him” (810). Tiresias is the third character in the play that warns Creon to repeal Antigone’s death sentence. Tiresias describes a vivid vision which includes talons flashing and ripping, birds and dogs torn from their corpses, and so the gods ignore the prayers of the Theban people (1110-1130). All of this due to Creon and his oath to kill Antigone. Tiresias describes Creon as “bullnecked” and stubborn, stupid and prideful (1135-1140). All of these characteristics combined will lead to his downfall. Even with all of the opinions and advice given from the townspeople, Haemon, the leader, and Tiresias, Creon decides to lock Antigone in a tomb. If you ever had to make a tough decision in your life, yet everyone you care about was advising you against your choice, would you not at least consider that you might be wrong? Would you put no importance on the fact that everyone important in your life disagrees with you? The fact that Creon so quickly dismisses all of the solid advice given to him adds to his stubborn and prideful character. He wants to be right. He needs to be
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