Creons Attitude In Antigone

Although Creon created the edict with good intentions for the people of Thebes, his failure to recognize the familial bond that ties Antigone to her brother Polyneices coupled with his newfound power as ruler of Thebes contributes to his tyrannical and delusional behavior which ultimately leads to his downfall. Looking back at “Oedipus The King”, Creon established himself as a rational individual, especially during his confrontation with Oedipus when clearing his name as culprit in a placid manner. However, Creon’s attitude shifts dramatically in “Antigone” after assuming the throne. Analysing Creon’s argument with oracle Tiresias reveals Creon’s transformation into a delusional tyrant. Tiresias offers his wisdom to Creon claiming he is responsible
for the pandemonium in Thebes, and urges Creon to revoke his edict. However, in an Oedipus-like moment, he denounces Tiresias’s assertions. Creon exclaims,” And now you seer your craft at me” in reference to when Tiresias fired at Oedipus, and continues, “the most reverend fall from grace when lies are sold wrapped up in honeyed words--and all for gold” essentially claiming Tiresias is lying and has been bribed. This moment mirrors a similar moment in “Oedipus the King” when Oedipus makes similar assertions about Tiresias. What this conveys is, like Oedipus, Creon has developed into a tyrant failing to acknowledge the truth in Tiresias’s wisdom. Becoming steadfast enough to even deny the laws of the gods when saying, “Not even Zeus’s eagles come, and fly away with with carrion morsels to their master’s throne...will not win this body burial” further portrays his descent into disillusionment.