Creon Essay, Research Paper

CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF CREON

Throughout his life, famous Greek playwright Sophocles was written many

inspiring works. Of those which survive, the Theban play ANTIGONE is

considered one of the best known works. It depicts the conflict between state

and individual. The most obvious conflict can be found by analyzing the character

Creon. From an evaluative standpoint, Creon possesses a personality with traits

of arete, ate, and nemesis.

To begin with, Creon seems to have an obssessive pride in himself and his strive

for excellence (arete). A good example shows the phrase, “As I see it, whoever

assumes the task, the awesome task of setting the city’s course, and refuses to adopt the soundest policies, but fearing someone, keeps his lip tight, he’s utterly worthless (Rosenberg 198-202).” This statement shows his belief that he must be in total control of himself and his people. Moreover, it shows that without this control, his role as a ruler stands no purpose. This personality trait builds up another one.

His obsessiveness for excellence leads to his actions of being stubborn and unconcerned with other’s opinions (ate). This is easily seen in such situations or phrases as “He must be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an obscenity for the citizens to behold (Rosenberg 229-231)!” This shows that he goes beyond religious burial standards and makes his own decree. Another good example, dealing with unconcern for other’s feelings, is the phrase “If you fail to

2

produce the criminals for me, you’ll swear your dirty money brought you pain (369-370).” This shows that he disregards, the character, the sentry’s feelings and will convict him of false crime if he does not find the real criminal. It also shows that he would go so far as to kill the sentry to end his displeasure with the situation at hand.

As can already be seen, Creon is an evil-hearted man. His “demonic” personality causes him to experience nemesis. What he does not know is that his self-centered actions can cause him more pain than pleasure in life. This can be seen in his son Haemon’s plea, “Then she (Antigone) shall die?but her death will kill another.” Not realizing the seriousness of his son’s words, Creon disregards the situation, only later to be ever tortured with the suicidal deaths of Antigone, his son Haemon, and also his beloved wife Eurydice.

Although Creon’s personality traits of arete, ate, and nemesis lead to his tragedy filled life, he, like most people, realizes his wrongdoing too late. Even so, Creon displays strong leadership abilities. This area must be commended, even though he has the wrong approach. As in most cases, along with power comes a sense of superiority. He is no different from anyone else. On this note, this analysis should not only be looked at as just a perspective of Creon’s faults and their tragic

3

turns, but also as a basis for improving areas of weakness in all human personalities.

CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF CREON

Throughout his life, famous Greek playwright Sophocles was written many

inspiring works. Of those which survive, the Theban play ANTIGONE is

considered one of the best known works. It depicts the conflict between state

and individual. The most obvious conflict can be found by analyzing the character

Creon. From an evaluative standpoint, Creon possesses a personality with traits

of arete, ate, and nemesis.

To begin with, Creon seems to have an obssessive pride in himself and his strive

for excellence (arete). A good example shows the phrase, “As I see it, whoever

assumes the task, the awesome task of setting the city’s course, and refuses to adopt the soundest policies, but fearing someone, keeps his lip tight, he’s utterly worthless (Rosenberg 198-202).” This statement shows his belief that he must be in total control of himself and his people. Moreover, it shows that without this control, his role as a ruler stands no purpose. This personality trait builds up another one.

His obsessiveness for excellence leads to his actions of being stubborn and unconcerned with other’s opinions (ate). This is easily seen in such situations or phrases as “He must be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an obscenity for the citizens to behold (Rosenberg 229-231)!” This shows that he goes beyond religious burial standards and makes his own decree. Another good example, dealing with unconcern for other’s feelings, is the phrase “If you fail to

2

produce the criminals for me, you’ll swear your dirty money brought you pain (369-370).” This shows that he disregards, the character, the sentry’s feelings and will convict him of false crime if he does not find the real criminal. It also shows that he would go so far as to kill the sentry to end his displeasure with the situation at hand.

As can already be seen, Creon is an evil-hearted man. His “demonic” personality causes him to experience nemesis. What he does not know is that his self-centered actions can cause him more pain than pleasure in life. This can be seen in his son Haemon’s plea, “Then she (Antigone) shall die?but her death will kill another.” Not realizing the seriousness of his son’s words, Creon disregards the situation, only later to be ever tortured with the suicidal deaths of Antigone, his son Haemon, and also his beloved wife Eurydice.

Although Creon’s personality traits of arete, ate, and nemesis lead to his tragedy filled life, he, like most people, realizes his wrongdoing too late. Even so, Creon displays strong leadership abilities. This area must be commended, even though he has the wrong approach. As in most cases, along with power comes a sense of superiority. He is no different from anyone else. On this note, this analysis should not only be looked at as just a perspective of Creon’s faults and their tragic

3

turns, but also as a basis for improving areas of weakness in all human personalities.

WORK CITED

Rosenberg, Donna. World Literature: An Anthology of Great Short Stories,

Drama, and Poetry. Illinois: NTC Publishing Group, 1992.

WORK CITED

Rosenberg, Donna. World Literature: An Anthology of Great Short Stories,

Drama, and Poetry. Illinois: NTC Publishing Group, 1992.