!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Creon’s Proclamation
!
!
!
!
!
Pierce Luck
Political Theory
!
12th
The Great Ruler of the Land of Thebes, Creon, has decreed that his brother Polynieces will not be BURIED. Due to the betrayal of Polynieces he will not be honored with a burial.
Heard from a citizen from Thebes, Creon stated “Never to grant traitors and subversives Equal footing with loyal citizens, but to honor patriots in life and death”. The Law of the Land is to be respected. Polynieces was found to being a traitor of the land, as he fought against the soldiers with fire and weaponry, of his Thebes at his return. He was seen by a fellow citizen publicly disrespecting the ancient ruins and shrines of the Gods.
For his crimes and the killing of his other brother, Etecoles, Creon makes an example of
Polynieces. Creon states “ Polynieces body will be publicly mocked by people as it will be left in the streets for the dogs and birds to feast. No one will tamper with his body or make any attempts to show the body respect by burial or worshiping the body, or he/ she will be seen as a traitor of the land.”
Citizens of the land are confused and disturbed of Creon’s decree as they do not fully agree with his ruling. Some of the citizens would of liked to bury the body, but they didn’t want to disrespect the Law of the Land. They don’t want to be caught and reprimanded by the full extent of the Law. They people know that it would be morally right to bury his body, as no one deserves the utter disrespect.
Polynieces and Eteocles, brothers, killed each other on the battle field. Creon allowed Eteocles a proper burial as he was seen as a hero, who protected his people and land to the very end. The people of the land especially the Polynieces sisters, Antigone and Ismene were outraged at the decree. Antigone, was overheard by citizens to have been arguing with her sister about the contents of the body of Polynieces. Citizens