Haemon And Creon Relationship

Haemon’s definition of a good man is one who is willing to listen and learn from others. King Creon is outraged when he finds out that his own Niece, Antigone, defied his firs law that no on was to touch the dead body of Polynieces Creon publicly warned everyone, that whoever touched Polynieces body will face serious charges. Troubled about whether he is doing the right thing by charging Antigone with death, he calls his son, Haemon, in to justify himself to him. Haemon becomes bothered with the fact Creon confidently thinks only his reasoning is right,“Do not believe you alone can be right”(Sophocles Scene 3 I.74 Emphasis Added). Creon believing that only his reasoning is correct, gives a very one sided point of view. Haemon believes his
Wanting his father to not make a rash decision because of his feelings, Haemon tries to reason with Creon, “Forget you are angry,” he states, “Let yourself be moved” (Sophocles Scene 3 I. 86). Haemon knows Creon is angry about the whole situation, but despite his emotions, he should still ask others about the matter. By just reacting on his anger in the moment, Creon could ultimately destroy his chances of having the best outcome. If he were to hear past mishaps and decisions others have made, he could learn from their mistakes. Haemon believes what defines a good man is someone who voluntarily asks others about their opinions, no matter how many emotions they feel in that moment. Not only because they are willing to learn from other’s past mistakes, but because they are willing to hear different perspectives, developing a decision off of reasoning, not just emotions. Haemon strives to show his father that he is not a hypocrite and does what he is telling his father to do.”But I, at any rate, can listen and I [Haemon] have heard them,”(Sophocles Scene 3
He is trying to set an example of what he feels a good man does. No matter his feelings for Antigone or his father, he still listens to what others have to say. By listening, he learns what they think about Antigone’s charges. The people believe she should should receive all the honor they can give her and that no women has ever died so shamefully for such a generous act. After learning all this, he feels that his conscious is clearer, which when he goes to talk to his father, he tries to show him not only a different perspective but so maybe he can see it the way others see it also. When Haemon talks to his father, he cannot accuse him of being a hypocrite, which Creon himself is afraid of being. Haemon sets a stellar example of what a good man does, showing his father living proof of what listening and learning can do. He tries to show Creon how greatly he has benefited from the new knowledge, which changed his thoughts about the