preview

Creon Balance Of Power In Antigone

Decent Essays
Open Document

What would it be like to live in a city where rebellion was always looming on the horizon and all who opposed the king were silenced? The central topic of “Antigone” is the constant battle between rules and laws of the world and the opposing power of both gods and men. “Antigone” captured how the balance of power in Thebes was constantly shifting and how easily a small decision could alter the harmony between people in the entire city. Creon’s decisions showed how power and determination do not always equate to intelligence or competence. Creon’s stature in the world is the most pertinent part of his identity, so those who oppose him often are disregarded. After sentencing Antigone to death, Heamon tried to persuade Creon that such a choice would throw Thebes into anarchy as the people rebelled but Creon …show more content…

Creon refused to see Haemons reasoning, “My voice is the one voice giving orders in the city!” So Haemon responded, “ It is no city if it takes orders from one voice.” And Creon fired back, “The state is the king!” Refusing to give up Haemon retorted, “Yes, if the state is a desert” (Scene 3, 105). Even when faced with the ruin of his beloved city, Creon refused to listen to the reason of others and saw only the future he planned. Creon ruled with an iron fist which caused chaos and rebellion rather than order and peace. Above all, Creon valued the rule of law, believing that his opinion was the upmost authority on such matters and that being the king his views could not be opposed. Even Haemon, Creon’s cherished son, could not sway him with logic and was instead thrust aside. Rather than face his folly Creon charged forward with

Get Access