Creon Punishment In Antigone Essay

635 Words3 Pages
In Antigone by Sophocles, the king Creon gets what he deserves. Creon’s arrogance and obstinacy lead to his punishment: the death of his family. When his decisions are questioned, he refuses to listen, choosing instead to respond with insults and statements of superiority. For example, when Haimon questions Creon’s punishment for Antigone, he immediately responds with, “My voice is the one voice giving orders in this City!” (3.105). Creon does not acknowledge Haimon’s point and instead reasserts his position as king. By doing so, Creon only closes himself off from other peoples' opinions. Creon may be king, but he shows he is insecure by reminding his son of his authority in response to well-intentioned advice. Creon’s own pride and irrational decisions are the direct cause of the death of his entire family.…show more content…
While he does finally admit his mistakes at the end, Creon’s punishment remains his own doing because he refuses to see reason in time. It is the punishment he gives to Antigone that causes her to commit suicide causing his son, and then his wife to commit suicide. It is true that at the beginning, Creon may be ignorant of the views of the people and inexperienced as king, however, Ismene, the Choragos, Haimon and Teiresias all offer advice and warn him of the consequences of punishing Antigone. Creon brings his punishment upon himself by refusing to listen and following his emotions instead of logic. His “blind heart” makes decisions, not for the good of the people, but for his own pride and stubbornness. Creon’s punishment is his own doing; despite advice and warnings from friends and family, he makes selfish decisions to save his dignity instead of for the good of the

More about Creon Punishment In Antigone Essay

Open Document