Antigone And Creon

613 Words3 Pages
Man the Master is a very complex quote, incorporating irony, character representation, and the Chorus’ strong opinion. In these famous lines the chorus states the almighty power of Mankind, our intelligence, our ability to accomplish anything, and how we “weave” the laws of society and gods to rise to greatness. This ode reveals to us that the Chorus supports Creon, yet are also unaware the disillusion Antigone is soon to bring them. Polynices, Creon’s nephew, not long ago abandoned his own people, attempting to overthrow them. Polynices is a man who disgraced and insulted his city, and in Creons’ opinion, deserves no sacred burial. The Chorus, agreeing with Creon, believes Polynices is a brilliant example of a rash man they spoke of in their…show more content…
On the other hand Creon is known for his strict laws of society, and loyalty to his people. Introducing himself as the new king of Thebes he states, “As I see it, whoever assumes the task of setting the city’s course, and refuses to adopt the soundest policies but fearing someone, keeps his lips locked tight, he’s utterly worthless. So I rate him now, I always have” (198-202). As Creon introduces himself, his keenness for strict laws and a humane city is projected clearly. In the chorus’ Ode they state the important fact that when Man, “weaves in the laws of the land, and the justice of the gods that binds his oaths together he and his city rise high…” (409-412) Creon, to them, is strict an powerful and will apply this way of ruling. The Chorus will, so to speak, “share their hearth” and “share their thoughts” with Creon because of his loyal rule. The Irony of this Ode in relation to the events occurring after the Chorus’ ode is the ironic contradiction of the laws of the land, and the justice of the…show more content…
The tragic conflict of Polynices betrayal resulted in the death of him and his brother, Eteocles. Antigone mourns her brothers loss and her misery from not burying him, “Our own brothers’ burial! Hasn't Creon graced one with all the rites, disgraced the other? Eteolcles they say has been given full military honors…But the body of Polynices who died miserably—why, a city-wide proclamation, rumor has it, forbids anyone to bury him, even morn him.” Antigone believes that natures laws, and Gods above make it unjust for Creon to refuse Polynices burial. Antigone proceeds to bury her brother and is then captures and brought to Creon. The Chorus’ loyalty formerly lied with Creon, the enforcer of societies strict laws, but now Antigone has proven the laws of the land and justice of the Gods are not always intertwined. The Chorus’ ode states mans wonder, and anyone who obeys their strict laws should thrive, and anyone who doesn't should be shamed. But what happens when the laws aren't clear, is it okay to be reckless with the laws of the land, in order to be responsible with the justice of the

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