Creon’s belief, that the rule a king is to be obeyed regardless of morals, or even the wills of the gods, remains unwavering throughout Antigone. His decisions, made in order to defend that belief, ultimately led to his downfall as well as the deaths of many of his relatives. Antigone’s objection, Haemon’s advice, and Tiresias’s prophecy stand out as the three main opportunities for him to retract this decree. Sophocles shows his own conviction by using examples that illustrate Creon’s refusal to change.
Antigone demonstrates through her initial rebellion that Creon’s decision is immoral and causes chaos, not the other way around. Creon acts both immorally and against the will the gods by denying Polynices his right to an appropriate burial. Antigone was the first person in the drama to realize that the King’s rule is wrong and that it falls to her to ignore it. She says “that crime is sacred” (192). Antigone’s attachment and use of the word “holy”, reveals her devotion to divinity, which also happens to be what makes them so different: their belief in gods. Antigone would not violate the laws in heaven, even if they were to contradict the laws set forth by the kingdom. This is because she believes that the gods’ laws are superior or equal to Creon’s. In this statement, Antigone explains that the laws of the gods must always take precedence over the laws of the kingdom. Creon is stubborn and her god-permitted dissension does not sway him.
Creon makes his second fatal blunder by refusing to listen to his son when he begged him for Antigone’s safety. Haemon grows more frustrated with his father as he fails in convincing him to change his opinion. First, he suggests that other men are also able to reason. Their opinions could be useful (218). Haemon serves as Sophocles’ own preacher, urging people to accept and integrate the ideas from others. Haemon’s use of language is important. Haemon uses vague terms (“there are also other men”) to avoid offending Creon. Haemon has no other choice than to confront the stubborn king. He points out to his own father that “it was not the reason for him to never give in to reason” (219) Haemon criticizes his father’s stubbornness in this comment, pointing out that he is unable to accept the wisdom of others, even when it goes against his own beliefs. Haemon’s remark describes the kind of leadership expected not only of the kings of Thebes and Athens but also of the kings of Thebes. Creon is stubborn, though. “My voice’s the only one giving orders in this town!” (220) he says. Once again, denying that the gods have any power in his city. Creon is stubbornly refusing to listen to even family dissent. The gods are left with no other option but to use the prophet’s tongue to help him correct his mistakes.
Creon’s most fatal mistake is disbelieving Tiresias warning prophecy. Tiresias makes a statement as Sophocles strives to express his morals through his characters. “A good person yields when they know their course is wrong,” (232) Tiresias declares. Creon is not only receiving general leadership advice from a god, but also being told that his actions are wrong. Unfortunately, Creon fails to listen when others offer advice. This is true even if the prophet has already proven his strength to Creon. Creon’s worst mistake was to repeat Oedipus’ mistakes, which he had learned from. Creon, by failing to learn the lessons of Oedipus, a man who set an example for a poor king, has proven that he’s not deserving of his position. Even though he has been given three chances, with logic and incentives that are superior to the first, Creon still refuses. He incurs the wrath the gods, killing his son, daughter-inlaw, and wife.
Antigone serves as a model for Sophocles to show his audience the importance of democratic values. Sophocles shows the corruption of a leader like Creon and the importance of self-reflection and humility through Creon’s mistakes. Creon is convinced that a monarch’s order must always be followed to prevent chaos. Sophocles says that we must respect other people’s opinions and be willing to acknowledge our own mistakes. Sophocles can use Creon’s character to illustrate the traits of an unsuitable leader as the ruler of Athens. The future is bright.
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