Tragic Downfall: A Parallel between Antigone and Oedipus

In Antigone, we have Antigone who is a very determined yet disobedient girl. She goes against the King Creon’s rules to bury her brother and when confronted and punished decides to kill herself. Her death led to main tragedy as her husband and mother in law both commit suicide hence leaving the King in distress and pain. Even though the story line in Antigone is very different from that of Oedipus the King, the two plays do mirror each other in a vast number of aspects. The kings, Creon and Oedipus’ desire to do right despite being warned ultimately led both of them to their doom. Their arrogance towards Teiresas, the fear of being over throned and losing their wives are mirror images of each other. Creon and Oedipus’ love for their city and desire to do what is right led them to their doom. In both plays, the city of Thebes has been going through hard times and needs order and help from the kings. Creon and Oedipus’ love for Thebes is clearly portrayed when they respectfully say, “I call God to witness that if I saw my country headed to ruin, I should not be afraid to speak out plainly.”(Scene 1.22-23) and “I shall assist you willingly in every way I would be a hard-hearted man indeed, if I did not pity

Antigone also mirrors Oedipus in the behavior of the kings towards the oracle. Both Kings had bad tempers and when advised by the Oracle, they did not listen. The way Oedipus talks to Teiresias when he says, “Say what you will. Whatever you say is worthless” (Scene 1.147) mirrors how Creon’s words “No doubt. Speak: Whatever you say, you will not change my will.” (Scene 5. 67-68) shows their inability to accept advise. The horrible turnout of events for both kings would have been avoided if only they had listened and obeyed the oracle, but their arrogance didn’t let them, showing that the pride and confidence of both kings was a significant factor in their