When Oedipus accuses Creon of treason, Creon keeps a level head and is able to carefully counter each point made by his brother-in-law. This shows that Creon is not only well-educated, but also logical. Creon made many good points in this argument. However, one point by Creon stands out; “Who would choose uneasy dreams to don a crown/ when all the kingly sway/ can be enjoyed without?/ I could not covet kingship for itself/ when I can be a king by other means/ All my ambitions now/ are satisfied through you, without anxiety.” This statement proves that while Creon may not have been a king, he shared all the power of one. However, Creon is not corrupt. The reason for this is obvious, and also contained in Creon’s statement; Creon does not share the responsibility of a king. So, between Oedipus the King and Antigone, not much has changed about Creon’s position. The only difference is that in Antigone, Creon was burdened with responsibility. It only took this small change to cause a series of larger changes in Creon.
In Antigone, Creon’s character has changed drastically. He is no longer insightful, compassionate, or respectful. He is now blind, cruel, and pig-headed. This Creon displays none of his original traits, or his original way of speaking. He left behind his pity for others, only to become pitiful, himself. The death of his two sons, who died in battle with one another, had a great effect on Creon. Not only did it make him emotional, it made him irrational. Creon ordered that only one of his sons be buried, as the other, Polynices had fought against the city, and thus was not worthy of a warrior’s burial. Of course, Creon had let his emotions get the better of him when he made this edict. Things only become worse when Antigone, Creon’s niece and daughter to Oedipus, went against Creon’s law and buried Polynices. Outraged, Creon locks Antigone in Polynices’ tomb to die, without even considering any of what Antigone had said to him. This does not seem like the Creon who once said, “Listen to my answer to your charge./ And when you’ve heard me, judge.”*(Oedipus pg. 28) In fact, it sounds just the opposite, proving that Creon has become corrupt. However, since the only thing that he has gained since Oedipus the King is responsibility, it does not take a genius to figure out what caused him to divert from his path of justice. It is only when it is too late, and Antigone is dead that Creon realizes the error of his ways. However, unlike Oedipus before him, Creon admits to it being his fault. This shows that Oedipus and Creon may have been similar to an extent, but they were always different beings. The difference between them could have been fear. Oedipus never had a second thought about his boastful nature. Creon, having seen that, may have been fearful of pride, and tried to avoid it at every turn. However, there is truth in the old saying, “If you fear it, you shall become it’s slave.”
While power may not have lead to Creon’s downfall, it certainly contributed to it. After all, without his royal power, Creon would not have been able to order Antigone to death, and thus add more demerits to his fate. However, power only ended his downfall. It was responsibility that began it. The sad truth is, without the power, Creon may have never been able to break away from damnation.
Power is simply an object. It is a sword to be kept at your side, and used only when you see fit. It causes no harm unless you command it to. Responsibility is another object; a crown without jewels. It is indeed harmless, to both you and the world. However, without jewels, there is little point in wearing a crown. It is the jewels that make the crown, after all. Thus, one would seek as many jewels as they could, and use them to adorn their crown. With each jewel they would find, their crown would become greater, but also heavier, slowing the wearers pace and weighing them down. It is only a matter of time before the jewels weigh down the crown so much that it cuts of the brain-circulation of the one wearing it, making them unable to think of much besides the crown and the jewels. What do these jewels represent, you ask? The answer is simple; each jewel represents a person whom one is responsible for. Responsibility starts out harmless enough, as it is not difficult to provide one or two people with the things the need. However, the more people one is responsible for, the more they are burdened. The burden drives them to madness, and eventually a disinterest in anyone but themselves. Power is not like that. No matter how many people one is in charge of, they are never burdened. It is only when they feel the need for responsibility that they are plagued. After a period long period of thought, I have decided that phrases like, ”Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” do not accurately depict the relationship between power and corruption. Indeed, I have learned the more proper phrase for the subject is, “Heavy the head that wears the crown.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Antigone Essay
Nathaniel Burns-Sarno
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 29, 2008
Antigone Essay
Power: The True Source of Corruption?
The Age of Sword and Sandal. It was a dangerous time, during which the gods reigned supreme and unleashed a petty wrath upon those who dared to disobey them. Every city was plagued by war, and heroes were few and far between. These times called for great kings to take control. They were needed comfort and guide their subjects. The people welcomed these leaders, and treated them with the highest regard. Why would they not? After all, it was the kings who provided them with guidance and hope. The people gained much prosperity under these kings. However, in order for something to be gained, something else must be given in return. A great number of times, the price for a kingdom’s prosperity was a king’s sanity. Such was the case with a character in the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles. His name was Creon. Indeed, he was a wise, fair, and just man. He saw only what was right, and did anything he could to bring peace into the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, as he leaves behind the life of a man to take up the life of a king, he also leaves behind his greatest traits. His wisdom was traded for ignorance his fairness for cruelty, and justness for tyranny. What could have turned him into such a cold-hearted monster? Perhaps it was the power? It seems like a very logical answer. In fact, it does contribute to what he eventually becomes. However, I do not believe that power alone could have caused such a change in the personality of Creon. Power only goes so far. On its own, power is one of life’s greatest luxuries. However, the gift of power can easily become a curse with only a small drop of poison that is responsibility. It is my belief that it was the responsibility of a king, not the power, that drove Creon to drive out his heart.
Creon’s introduction came in the first of the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles, Oedipus the King. Here, we see Creon as the logical and compassionate prince consort. He displays no ill will to wards anyone, even when another displays ill will to wards him. Such kindness would not be a rarity among a member of royalty. After all, one who is in line for the throne has little to complain about. Being Queen Jocasta’s brother gave Creon every right to the luxuries shared by the king and queen. Most importantly, Creon shared their power. The only thing that Jocasta and Oedipus kept for themselves was the weight of their city, which remained firmly rested on their backs. However, despite the fact that nothing is expected of him, Creon still tries to make things fair within the city of Thebes, which Oedipus rules. Creon does this by seeking to take some of the weight off of Oedipus’ back, and also by attempting to clear his name when accused of treason by Oedipus. It is during an address to the citizens of Thebes dealing with the fact that Oedipus has accused him of treason that Creon displays his compassion for Oedipus by saying, “If he thinks that in all this turmoil of our times/that any word or act of mine/ was ever done in malice, done to harm/ I’d rather end my life than live so wronged.”(Oedipus the King, pg 28). This shows that Creon would rather die than be accused of any wrong-doing, and thus is no wrong-doer, himself. For what guilty man would take offence at being called guilty? While this quote from Creon gives us a good idea of what kind of person he is, it only helps Creon’s character. For one to understand why it would be it was not likely for Creon to be corrupted by power, they need only examine Creon’s argument with Oedipus.
English 10 Honors/ Mr. George
October 29, 2008
Antigone Essay
Power: The True Source of Corruption?
The Age of Sword and Sandal. It was a dangerous time, during which the gods reigned supreme and unleashed a petty wrath upon those who dared to disobey them. Every city was plagued by war, and heroes were few and far between. These times called for great kings to take control. They were needed comfort and guide their subjects. The people welcomed these leaders, and treated them with the highest regard. Why would they not? After all, it was the kings who provided them with guidance and hope. The people gained much prosperity under these kings. However, in order for something to be gained, something else must be given in return. A great number of times, the price for a kingdom’s prosperity was a king’s sanity. Such was the case with a character in the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles. His name was Creon. Indeed, he was a wise, fair, and just man. He saw only what was right, and did anything he could to bring peace into the lives of those around him. Unfortunately, as he leaves behind the life of a man to take up the life of a king, he also leaves behind his greatest traits. His wisdom was traded for ignorance his fairness for cruelty, and justness for tyranny. What could have turned him into such a cold-hearted monster? Perhaps it was the power? It seems like a very logical answer. In fact, it does contribute to what he eventually becomes. However, I do not believe that power alone could have caused such a change in the personality of Creon. Power only goes so far. On its own, power is one of life’s greatest luxuries. However, the gift of power can easily become a curse with only a small drop of poison that is responsibility. It is my belief that it was the responsibility of a king, not the power, that drove Creon to drive out his heart.
Creon’s introduction came in the first of the Oedipus Plays of Sophocles, Oedipus the King. Here, we see Creon as the logical and compassionate prince consort. He displays no ill will to wards anyone, even when another displays ill will to wards him. Such kindness would not be a rarity among a member of royalty. After all, one who is in line for the throne has little to complain about. Being Queen Jocasta’s brother gave Creon every right to the luxuries shared by the king and queen. Most importantly, Creon shared their power. The only thing that Jocasta and Oedipus kept for themselves was the weight of their city, which remained firmly rested on their backs. However, despite the fact that nothing is expected of him, Creon still tries to make things fair within the city of Thebes, which Oedipus rules. Creon does this by seeking to take some of the weight off of Oedipus’ back, and also by attempting to clear his name when accused of treason by Oedipus. It is during an address to the citizens of Thebes dealing with the fact that Oedipus has accused him of treason that Creon displays his compassion for Oedipus by saying, “If he thinks that in all this turmoil of our times/that any word or act of mine/ was ever done in malice, done to harm/ I’d rather end my life than live so wronged.”(Oedipus the King, pg 28). This shows that Creon would rather die than be accused of any wrong-doing, and thus is no wrong-doer, himself. For what guilty man would take offence at being called guilty? While this quote from Creon gives us a good idea of what kind of person he is, it only helps Creon’s character. For one to understand why it would be it was not likely for Creon to be corrupted by power, they need only examine Creon’s argument with Oedipus.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Antigone Quote 2
Quote: "Then lead me please away, a rash weak foolish man, a man of sorrows, who killed you son, so blindly. And you my wife-so blind. Where can I look? Where hope for help, when everything I touch is lost and death has leapt upon my life."- Creon pg. 252
Significance: This quote not only shows that Creon acted similar to Oedipus, but also shared a similar fate to Oedipus. Because of his downfall, Creon realized his tragic flaw, and left the throne, the same as Oedipus had done before him.
Question: Was it just power that corrupted Creon, or did his son's betrayal of him turn him into what he would become?
Anigone Quote 1
Quote: "In only what is right. It is my merit not my years that count."-Haemon pg 223
Significance: I see this as Haemon going against all tradition in order to defend the one he loves, Antigone, from his father, Creon. Not only is Haemon questioning his father, he's questioning a king! This shows Haemon's boldness, but also his beliefs in justice. Haemon's character quickly shifted from being a submissive prince to an advocate for what is right. In my eyes, it's a good change.
Question: Why would Haemon wait to say these things to his father, rather than saying them right away? Was he going for shock-value?
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