Sophocles' Antigone - Creon's Fatal Flaw

578 Words2 Pages

Antigone - Creon's Fatal Flaw

A master artisan and innovator of the Greek tragedy, Sophocles'

insightful plays have held their value throughout countless time periods

and societies. Through the use of common literary techniques, Sophocles

was able to express themes and ideas that reflect all of humankind. On

particular idea was that Sophocles believed that hubris is destructive and

will eventually lead to one's demise.

Creon, the proud king of Thebes has such a fatal flaw. His hubris

alienates Teiresias, Haimon, and his people. Teiresias attempts to

explain to Creon the severity of Creon's actions, but Creon only shuns

Teiresias. No matter how potent the signs, Creon "would not yield,"

(Scene 5, Line 47). Creon's hubris prevents him from recognizing his self-

destructive behavior. Instead, he accuses Teiresias of disloyalty and

succumbing to bribery. He feels Teiresias has "sold out" (Scene 5, Line

65) and that Creon was "the butt for th...

Open Document