Kara Sears
Creon asks Antigone why she would dare to break the law by burying Polynices, to which she replies that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld. Antigone believes that Creon is disobeying the gods with his refusal to bury Polynices, and that the gods are much more powerful than Creon. In Ancient Greece, if someone disobeys the gods, they can expect to be punished severely. Antigone is willing to challenge Creon's law head-on, believing that she is doing the right thing by burying her brother.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creon's law is not the law of the gods of the underworld | The gods of death and burial whose laws form unwritten, ancient traditions |
| Creon's law is not what the gods would have wanted | The gods are much more powerful than Creon |
| Creon's law is unjust | Antigone believes it is the right thing to do to bury her brother |
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What You'll Learn
Antigone's belief that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld
Creon asks Antigone why she would dare to break the law. Antigone says that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld—the gods of death and burial whose laws form unwritten, ancient traditions. Antigone believes in the gods' law, and that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld. She was not going to break the laws of the gods to appease a man. Antigone heeds the laws of custom and religion, not the laws of men like Creon. She believes she is obeying a higher power than Creon's imperfect man-made legislation. Antigone says that she knows she must die, but she could not bear to leave her brother to rot. Antigone's belief that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld is central to her character and her actions in the play. She is willing to challenge Creon's law head-on and face the consequences because she believes that she is obeying a higher power. Antigone's belief that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld also highlights the struggle between god's laws and man's laws in the play. Creon, as king, believes that the laws created by man hold a higher power than the laws of the gods. This conflict between Antigone's belief in god's law and Creon's belief in man's law drives the action of the play and leads to tragic consequences for both characters.
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Creon's refusal to bury Polynices, a traitor
Creon's refusal to bury Polynices is seen as a defiance of the gods, who are believed to have wanted Polynices to be buried. Antigone, Polynices' sister, challenges Creon's law head-on, arguing that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld. Antigone believes that Creon is disobeying the gods with his refusal to bury Polynices, and that the gods are much more powerful than Creon. She also states that Creon has told the people of the city that Polynices is to rot and have his corpse eaten by the animals. Despite knowing that death would come to her for breaking Creon's law, Antigone gives Polynices a proper burial.
Creon's refusal to bury Polynices brings about disaster for himself and his family. His stubbornness is seen as a vital factor in Antigone's death, and he is to be punished for it. Creon's son Haemon, who was destined to marry Antigone, kills himself in front of Creon, and his wife stabs herself.
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Antigone's sympathy for her brother
In addition to her sympathy for her brother, Antigone also has a sense of duty to the gods and their laws. She believes that the gods' laws are more important than Creon's laws and that she has a responsibility to uphold them. Antigone argues that the gods of death and burial have unwritten, ancient traditions that must be followed. By burying her brother, Antigone is not only showing her sympathy for him but also her respect for the gods and their laws.
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Creon's stubbornness
Creon is a ruthless leader who strictly rules the city in a negative way. He controls those in the city to what he believes is right, and he does not care about the consequences of his actions. Antigone challenges Creon's law head-on, proclaiming her guilt and stating that Creon's law was not the law of the gods of the underworld. She believes that the gods are much more powerful than Creon, and that he will be punished for disobeying them.
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Creon's ruthless leadership
Creon's response to Antigone's challenge is to threaten her with death, demonstrating his strict and negative rule over the city. He believes that his role as king gives him the right to punish Antigone for breaking the law, and he is unwilling to bend or change his decision, even in the face of opposition. This stubbornness is seen by some as a vital factor in Antigone's death, as she is punished for breaking Creon's law.
Creon's leadership is further characterised by his willingness to go against the wishes of his own family. His son, Haemon, is engaged to Antigone, yet Creon still sends her to her death. This shows that Creon values his own laws and beliefs above the lives and happiness of those closest to him.
Overall, Creon's leadership is characterised by his strict adherence to his own laws, even when they go against the traditions of the gods and the wishes of his family. His refusal to compromise or change his decisions leads to tragedy and demonstrates the negative impact of his ruthless leadership.
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Frequently asked questions
Creon believes that someone would break the law because they are not afraid of his power.
Creon thinks that someone would break the law because they believe that his law is not the law of the gods of the underworld.
The punishment for breaking Creon's law is death.
