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.