Kreon Sacrifice In Antigone
Sympathizing with Antigone Very few things in life are entirely one-sided, with the clear and unbiased result being obvious. Life in general is much more complex, with multiple viewpoints and intricacies being required in order to have a grasp on the reality of a situation. In Sophocles’s Antigone this fact still holds true. Antigone and Kreon are locked in an argument over the burial of her brother, Polyneices, with Antigone going against the law set up by Kreon and burying her brother. Both have their views and reasons for the way they act. Despite this, Antigone deserves more sympathy for her actions. She bases her actions on honor and dignity, while Kreon appears to play the role of an overbearing and cruel leader. Antigone is by no means a flawless character. She’s often rash and overdramatic. She is essentially what prompts the main conflict of the play
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when she decides to rebel against the wishes of Kreon, who is the ruler at the time, by burying her brother against Kreon’s wishes. However, it is because of her motives that show her in a far better light. She is seen as being the noble and honorable person because of her actions. She does not bury Polyneices for personal attention or glory, but rather because of her own desperate attempt to respect her family. The people of the day agree with her in this instance as well, as evidenced during the argument between Kreon and his son, Haimon, about Antigone’s actions. Haimon proclaims, “That’s not what all the citizens of Thebes are saying,” in response to Kreon’s claims that she is an evildoer. (733) Kreon’s own citizens themselves disagree with his actions and treatment towards Antigone. The masses do not see Antigone as an evil wrongdoer, but rather as someone who has rebelled in the face of unjust discrimination. They themselves are sympathizing with Antigone. The masses can sometimes be wrong, however, and the optics of a situation might just unfairly favor one side over another. This is not the case for Antigone, however, as it is obvious that her own actions directly correlate with the view the citizens of Thebes hold for her. This is illustrated directly after she is captured by Kreon, with her saying, “I don’t deny it; I admit the deed was mine.” (442) Her immediate admission of guilt is proof of her dedication to her beliefs and the courage she shows. Courage is one of the most admired personality trait one can have in a play, as it reveals a pure and unfiltered look into one’s motives. Antigone, after admitting guilt, portrays just how strongly she believes in her cause. She is willing to endure any such punishments that will inevitably arise due to her actions, and is willing to do so just to stand up to the supposed tyranny of her adversary. In addition to unfaltering courage, she shows a true sense of loyalty as well. When Ismene, Antigone’s sister, lies and attempts to also admit guilt to share responsibility, Antigone states that “Justice will not allow this, since you did not want to do it, nor did I give you a share in it.” (538-539) Antigone further displays her utmost loyalty towards her family, as well as once again showing her courage. She is not willing to have her sister suffer in any way, even though it could potentially lighten her burden. Kreon, at first glance, appears he may also have some respectable traits. He is a ruler after a period of war, and it makes sense to not glamorize the enemy. Furthermore, it is important that a leader shows aptitude by following through in his laws. Under further review, however, a series of vain and downright unwise decisions hinder these traits. By delving into his underlying motives, it becomes clear that he is far less respectable and praiseworthy in comparison, and thus is harder to sympathize with. Kreon is, throughout the entire course of the play, unnecessarily cruel in his basic demeanor. When a guard arrives and tells Kreon that Polyneices has been buried he lashes out and tells the guard that “Hades won’t be enough,” if he does not find whoever was responsible. (308) In addition, he threatens the chorus when they claim that perhaps the burial was an act of god by saying, “Stop speaking now, before you stuff me full of rage, or you’ll be found to have no sense despite your age.” (280-281) Kreon’s unnecessary cruelness negates any sympathy one might have for him. Like Antigone, he appears to be rash and unable to cope with his immediate emotions, but instead of being productive about he instead funnels it into unnecessary rage. He appears to be a less strong leader and less noble, all features that adorn Antigone. At times, Kreon appears outright foolish.
When Teiresias, a wise old prophet, arrives to convince Kreon to leave both Antigone alive and Polyneices buried Kreon decides to argue and question his wisdom. (1033-1063) Many cultures worldwide show distinguished respect for elders and praise their wisdom. Kreon had already demonstrated his lack of respect for elders when he argued with the Chorus, but his argument with Teiresias holds far more weight. Teiresias is a known and proven prophet, and Kreon’s initial unwillingness to listen to his reasoning is confirmation of his own lack of wisdom and judgement, and hence, he is directly responsible for the deaths of not only Antigone and Ismene, but also of his son and wife. In the end, even he blames himself for the tragedy of the situation, stating, “To me, to no other mortal, this responsibility will cling forever.” (1318-1319) He understands that it was his own negligence and inability to reason that left him with such abhorrent consequences. The only sympathy he deserves is for the horribly depressing situation his own actions have led him
into. Antigone and Kreon are strikingly similar, with both displaying their rash actions and steadfast beliefs. What separates the two is their inner morals driving their decisions. Antigone’s morals appear far more righteous and honest. She embodies the characteristics of a stereotypical hero, fighting for what is right in the world. Kreon, by comparison, appears starkly more villainous, attacking others and pushing forth unwanted laws. Antigone, as a result, overwhelmingly deserves and receives far more sympathy.
when she decides to rebel against the wishes of Kreon, who is the ruler at the time, by burying her brother against Kreon’s wishes. However, it is because of her motives that show her in a far better light. She is seen as being the noble and honorable person because of her actions. She does not bury Polyneices for personal attention or glory, but rather because of her own desperate attempt to respect her family. The people of the day agree with her in this instance as well, as evidenced during the argument between Kreon and his son, Haimon, about Antigone’s actions. Haimon proclaims, “That’s not what all the citizens of Thebes are saying,” in response to Kreon’s claims that she is an evildoer. (733) Kreon’s own citizens themselves disagree with his actions and treatment towards Antigone. The masses do not see Antigone as an evil wrongdoer, but rather as someone who has rebelled in the face of unjust discrimination. They themselves are sympathizing with Antigone. The masses can sometimes be wrong, however, and the optics of a situation might just unfairly favor one side over another. This is not the case for Antigone, however, as it is obvious that her own actions directly correlate with the view the citizens of Thebes hold for her. This is illustrated directly after she is captured by Kreon, with her saying, “I don’t deny it; I admit the deed was mine.” (442) Her immediate admission of guilt is proof of her dedication to her beliefs and the courage she shows. Courage is one of the most admired personality trait one can have in a play, as it reveals a pure and unfiltered look into one’s motives. Antigone, after admitting guilt, portrays just how strongly she believes in her cause. She is willing to endure any such punishments that will inevitably arise due to her actions, and is willing to do so just to stand up to the supposed tyranny of her adversary. In addition to unfaltering courage, she shows a true sense of loyalty as well. When Ismene, Antigone’s sister, lies and attempts to also admit guilt to share responsibility, Antigone states that “Justice will not allow this, since you did not want to do it, nor did I give you a share in it.” (538-539) Antigone further displays her utmost loyalty towards her family, as well as once again showing her courage. She is not willing to have her sister suffer in any way, even though it could potentially lighten her burden. Kreon, at first glance, appears he may also have some respectable traits. He is a ruler after a period of war, and it makes sense to not glamorize the enemy. Furthermore, it is important that a leader shows aptitude by following through in his laws. Under further review, however, a series of vain and downright unwise decisions hinder these traits. By delving into his underlying motives, it becomes clear that he is far less respectable and praiseworthy in comparison, and thus is harder to sympathize with. Kreon is, throughout the entire course of the play, unnecessarily cruel in his basic demeanor. When a guard arrives and tells Kreon that Polyneices has been buried he lashes out and tells the guard that “Hades won’t be enough,” if he does not find whoever was responsible. (308) In addition, he threatens the chorus when they claim that perhaps the burial was an act of god by saying, “Stop speaking now, before you stuff me full of rage, or you’ll be found to have no sense despite your age.” (280-281) Kreon’s unnecessary cruelness negates any sympathy one might have for him. Like Antigone, he appears to be rash and unable to cope with his immediate emotions, but instead of being productive about he instead funnels it into unnecessary rage. He appears to be a less strong leader and less noble, all features that adorn Antigone. At times, Kreon appears outright foolish.
When Teiresias, a wise old prophet, arrives to convince Kreon to leave both Antigone alive and Polyneices buried Kreon decides to argue and question his wisdom. (1033-1063) Many cultures worldwide show distinguished respect for elders and praise their wisdom. Kreon had already demonstrated his lack of respect for elders when he argued with the Chorus, but his argument with Teiresias holds far more weight. Teiresias is a known and proven prophet, and Kreon’s initial unwillingness to listen to his reasoning is confirmation of his own lack of wisdom and judgement, and hence, he is directly responsible for the deaths of not only Antigone and Ismene, but also of his son and wife. In the end, even he blames himself for the tragedy of the situation, stating, “To me, to no other mortal, this responsibility will cling forever.” (1318-1319) He understands that it was his own negligence and inability to reason that left him with such abhorrent consequences. The only sympathy he deserves is for the horribly depressing situation his own actions have led him
into. Antigone and Kreon are strikingly similar, with both displaying their rash actions and steadfast beliefs. What separates the two is their inner morals driving their decisions. Antigone’s morals appear far more righteous and honest. She embodies the characteristics of a stereotypical hero, fighting for what is right in the world. Kreon, by comparison, appears starkly more villainous, attacking others and pushing forth unwanted laws. Antigone, as a result, overwhelmingly deserves and receives far more sympathy.