Ignorance In Antigone

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Enlightened Ignorance

“You’re too rash. Has Creon not expressly banned that act?”
- (59-60)
Throughout the Greek play, “Antigone”, we see one of the main character’s, Creon, who recently was named King of Thebes due to his Nephews battling to the death for the throne. Creon by the end of the play would eventually develop a theme known as a “Tragic Hero.” His character's emotion and motivations conflict with another main character, his Niece who the play is named after, Antigone. The characteristics of Creon have conflicting motives such as his hierarchy, greed, and vengefulness are highlighted by Antigone’s opposing ethics. Ultimately these conflicting motivations develop Creon as a tragic hero by making him regret his Decree and rash decisions once he has learned of his fate.

Antigone’s words, actions, and ideas contrast with Creon’s character by her going …show more content…

Creon’s character is developed as a tragic hero when he announces the death of the two Brothers and speaks highly of Etocles and hateful towards Polynices’ name. He speaks to the chorus about Polynices “For him, the proclamation of the state declares he will have no burial, no funeral rites, and no lament.” (231-235) This passage shows his true hatred and apathy towards the exile Polynices and anyone who would go against their own homeland.

The interactions between Teresias and Creon advance the plot by Creon denying Teresias’ prophecies. We see this near the end of the play where he warns Creon of his disrespectful acts that have upset the gods of the underworld. But when this happens when Creon accuses him of just saying these things for more money, but deep down he knows his prophecies are known to come true and haven’t been wrong before. This motivates him to right his wrongs and undo the decree and go against everything he believes as

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