Similarities Between Oedipus And Creon

In the ancient plays, Oedipus the King and Antigonê, produced by Sophocles. One is introduced to the rulers of a large community of people in the land of Thebes— Oedipus and Creon. Oedipus is a noble character whose fate was cursed by the Greek God, Apollo. Creon, Oedipus' successor, is also a noble leader to the land of Thebes. Both Oedipus and Creon have been through a tremendous amount of hardships in their lives and during their times as rulers. Oedipus found out he had been married to his mother for years and even had children from her. Creon was faced with a hard decision after the death of both of Oedipus' sons— Polyneices and Eteocles. Both Creon and Oedipus are quite similar characters. Oedipus and Creon show both similarities and

differences in their actions, attitudes and storylines.
To begin, Oedipus and Creon's actions will be analyzed.

both of these men made a great number of power moves during their individual reign as king. Oedipus and Creon had to not only concern themselves with what their actions would do to them, but also their families and the people within the land of Thebes; these men had tremendous amount of responsibility they had to concern themselves with. Oedipus believed he was doing the best he could for his people by investigating his true identity in order to find out who killed King Laius, which he initially thought was which he initially thought was Creon. “So you dare to come back. Why? How brazen of you...to come to my house, you murderer! Do you think I do not know that you plotted to kill me?...” (2, 1269, 20-24). Creon's biggest move was going against Teiresias’ advice to give Polyneices a proper burial. “...no, Teiresias: if your birds – if the great eagles of God himself should carry him stinking bit by bit to heaven, I would not yield. I am not afraid of pollution: no man can defile the gods.” ( 5, 1513, 44-48). Both of these actions would prove to be detrimental to Oedipus and Creon's futures and their lives. While Creon and Oedipus may both be similarly hard headed, they are extremely different in their drives or ambitions. Oedipus is quite driven, he is not too concerned with how people see him; he just desires to get things done. While talking to his wife about his identity and ignoring her advice, he gives Choragos

instructions that would forever change his life: “go, one of you, and bring the shepherd here.” (3, 1282, 150). Oedipus, despite efforts to warn him, is not worried about his future or reputation. Creon is concerned about himself and what will eventually happen to him if he does not listen to Teiresias, which in turn, makes him listen. “...oh it is hard to give in! But it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride… oh it is hard to give in! But it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride…I will not fight with destiny. I will not fight with destiny.” (5, 1514-15, 93-4, 102). Unlike Oedipus, Creon learn to give in a bit sooner, unfortunately, it was too late for Creon.
Secondly, Creon and Oedipus’ attitude will be analyzed.

Both Oedipus and Creon’s attitudes played drastic rolls in their fates and how their stories unraveled. Oedipus’ attitude is a bit cocky, but also confident. Oedipus believe he couldn't be challenged by anyone and that is part of the reason you continue to search to find out his origin. "… I am a child of Luck; I cannot be dishonored.” (3,1282, 161). Oedipus’ attitude is evidence of God's proclamation and James 4:6: "But He gives a greater grace therefore it says, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.". On the other hand, Creon's attitude is a bit hard also, but his hardness is transparent. Preowned shows no emotion or remorse when telling Choragos how Antigonê was to die. "I will carry her far away out there in the wilderness, and lock her living in a vault of stone… let her pray to the gods of hell: they are her only gods: perhaps they will show her how to escape from death… piety shown the death is pity in vain.” (3,1508,142-44,146-8,151). Creon’s attitude is hard now, but he later on crumbles in fear for his own fate after Choragos convinces him to take his advice. "I [Creon] Will go… I buried her, I will set her free.” (5,1515,104,106-7). Oedipus and Creon both eventually learn to humble themselves and they both also learned that they are not untouchable. Oedipus learns to humble himself and he learns that the curse of Apollo unfortunately came true and he sees that he's not anything

special. "I will listen. But it is to you that I must turn for help. I beg you, hear me.” (Éxodos, 1292, 217-18). He humbled himself in front of Creon, which had to be difficult for him. Although Creon and Oedipus have their selfish moments they eventually realize that putting themselves first is not always the best option.
Lastly, Oedipus and crayons storylines will be analyzed. Trian worked his way into Oedipus’ storyline seeing as he was Iocastê’s brother. Oedipus and Creon a few days because Oedipus believes Creon killed the king. "If you think a man Kenson against his own kind and not be punished for it, I say you are mad.”(2,1269,39-40). Oedipus have the cards against him before he could even begin have a successful life. “I [Oedipus] can't tell you, and I will. Palow said through his profit that I was the man who should marry his own mother, shut his father's blood with his own hands…” (3,1280,80-82). At the end of Oedipus the King, one learns that Oedipus’ life ended up being quite tragic. As for Creon, he had with an easier beginning but unfortunately history land became more tragic. Eventually, the power over to crayon and he began to lose himself; he was so obsessed with his power he even turned against his son, Haimon, who was planning to marry Antigonê. "Bring her out! Bring the woman out! Let her die before his eyes!”. (3,1508,129-30). Both Creon and Oedipus how tragic stories; their stories are evidence for the verses in Ecclesiastes 3 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (NKJV).
In conclusion, Oedipus and Creon have many similarities as well as differences. Both of these men took a life-changing risks that not only affected them but also their families. These men were brave, courageous and also, at times, noble. In addition, their attitudes played a significant role in their decisions and how their decisions impact of them. Lastly, there storylines show similarities as well as differences – both of these men I had tragic endings to their stories, but one of them could have been avoided. Oedipus and Creon do show many similarities and differences in their actions attitudes and storylines.