Antigone paper: Creon--Guilty

Creon is rightfully guilty of the deaths of Antigone, Haemon, Eurydice, and of denying Polyneices a proper burial. Creon was blinded by his anger towards Polyneices, too prideful to forgive Antigone for her crime, and too stubborn and thoughtless to listen to Haemon or heed his warning, causing the suicides of his son and wife. Creon’s rash actions caused the tragedy in Antigone.
After hearing Terisias’s prophecy Creon decides Antigone should be freed. “Alas—it’s difficult. But I’ll give up. I’ll not do what I’d set my heart upon. It’s not right to fight against necessity.” (p30 1236-1238) Since Creon did not act in time Antigone died.

Antigone’s death was the first of many deaths. “Chorus Leader: (about Haemon) At his father’s hand? Or did he kill himself? Messanger: By his own hand––angry at his father  for the murder.” (p32 1309-1310) Haemon’s suicide is a thoughtless response to Antigone’s death. When Eurydice also commits suicide Creon cries, “Alas for me . . . the guilt for all of this is mine––it can never be removed from me or passed to any other mortal man. I murdered you (Eurydice). . . I speak the truth. Hurry and lead me off, get me away from here, for now what I am in life is nothing.” (p38 1463-1469)

Creon's foolishness let these things happen to his family. He has no more to live for. “Messanger: Creon was once a man we all looked up to. He saved the state, from its enemies. He took control and reigned as its sole king—and prospered with the birth of noble children. Now all is gone. For when a man has lost what gives him pleasure, I don’t include him among the living—he’s a breathing corpse.”

Creon being guilty of so many deaths, feels he would be better off dead. “I’ve learned it in my pain...the wretched agony of human life.” (p34 1417-1423)




Source: Sophocles, Antigone (e-text)