Similarities Between Antigone And Creon
The central conflict of Antigone is not a simple hero versus villain clash because both Antigone and Creon are driven by what they believe is morally right. Creon and Antigone simply have extremely different viewpoints on how to handle the same situation. Antigone believes that the laws of the Gods overpower any decrees of man, and she assumes that regardless of Creon’s decree and risk of her own death, she must bury her brother because it is a religious obligation. On the contrary, Creon believes in handling the death of Polynices in vastly different manner. The king is pro-government and prioritizes the jurisdiction of the state regardless of any emotional or religious ties. In addition to the characters’ complex motivations, neither
of these characters identify as a perfect hero, yet neither of them act as a purely evil villain. Although Creon often acts tyrannical and arrogant, he is only trying to cement the authority and strength of Thebes, discrediting him as a simple bullying villain. On the other hand, Antigone, despite the sacrifice of her life to honor her brother, fails to be a completely selfless hero because she refuses Ismene’s offering of help to take all of the burden and courage for herself. The conflict of this drama is strengthened due to the fact that both Antigone and Creon have logical, yet immensely different perspectives.
of these characters identify as a perfect hero, yet neither of them act as a purely evil villain. Although Creon often acts tyrannical and arrogant, he is only trying to cement the authority and strength of Thebes, discrediting him as a simple bullying villain. On the other hand, Antigone, despite the sacrifice of her life to honor her brother, fails to be a completely selfless hero because she refuses Ismene’s offering of help to take all of the burden and courage for herself. The conflict of this drama is strengthened due to the fact that both Antigone and Creon have logical, yet immensely different perspectives.