Introduction to Creon’s Speech in Antigone
In Sophocles’ play, Antigone, the chorus of the Theban elders speaks these lines in the praise of man defying Creon’s speech in Antigone. These lines explain the wonders achieved by human beings. It states, “Many things cause terror and wonder, yet nothing / is more terrifying and wonderful than man” (Sophocles 332-333). This ode explains further that man has conquered not only beasts but also the forces of nature, praising his wisdom and power, and adding that “He has power through his ways over the beast who traverses / the mountains and haunts the open sky” (348-350). This is a very important ode that comes after the second episode, summing up the whole argument of the play. The analysis of the play in terms of this ode shows Creon’s speech in Antigone and how he becomes clever in the use of language by mixing religion with laws, terming his own commands as divine fiats.
Wisdom and Creon’s Speech in Antigone
The reference to wisdom in the ode actually points towards the ingenuity of Creon. Although at first, it refers to human beings in general as how he has conquered the seas and faced, it refers to the wisdom that he must learn after Creon’s speech in Antigone. Tiresias clearly supports the Chorus after this ode when he says, “I give you sound advice. / It is best to learn from a good adviser” (1140-1141). His point is clear that Creon is going out of the control of his patience. Therefore, he should be reasonable as he is not only threatening Antigone, but also not letting her brother to have a proper burial. On the top of it, he is making his common threats as commands. In fact, this is his ingenuity of making his command as respectful as divine laws though they are not accepted and questioned constantly. However, his cleverness in turning blind eyes to Chorus and Tiresias further exacerbates his situation when Antigone also steps forward saying “These laws – I am not about to break them” (509). Ode clearly voices this, “And speech and thought, quick as the wind.” (395-396) as Creon reacts at Antigone’s charge. The Chorus comments on it further “Man the master, ingenious past all measure / past all dreams, the skills within his grasp—“ (405-406) to show a way out after Creon’s speech in Antigone.
Laws and Creon’s Speech in Antigone
The law has been repeated several times by Creon at several different places. However, it is his ingenuity that he has given it different connotations and different shades of meanings, insisting that what he says is law while others must obey him. The ode beautifully refers to his ingenuity saying that only having laws in his hands can bring glory to the city. Creon is insisting that what he says is law whether he says right or wrong but the Chorus denies this declaring that he should live by the divine laws that are eternal and old, although there is difference in their opinions. It is because Antigone has put up resistance before his ingenuity of inventing his own interpretations. She says, “Such, I hear, is the martial law our good Creon / lays down for you and me” (36-37). If Creon is a master in the use of language, she is equally master. She is also ingenuous as she says “It was not Zeus, not in the least, / who made this proclamation – not to me. / Nor did that justice, dwelling with gods / beneath the earth, ordain such laws for men.” (449-451). When she puts up resistance after such a long argument, the Chorus also sides with her saying that commands of the king are to be respected but not in case they are doubtful. That is why the Chorus casts doubt on his ingenuity of mixing religion with his own sayings, stating that it is law that he is dictating to others. Therefore, the Chorus states that this is not the case and that Creon must abide by the divine laws ordained by Zeus and his daughters.
Personal Commands and Creon’s Speech in Antigone
When he terms his own commands as divine fiats, Creon’s speech in Antigone shows clear arrogance that the Chorus has pointed out in the ode as a “wonderful” thing. This is a reference to Oedipus and his arrogance that led to his downfall. Tiresias points out to this fault of Creon at which the Chorus comments on it saying that haughty and arrogant lose the right path. The reference is very much clear. It is the arrogance of Creon, who is terming his own commands as divine fiats in order to force Antigone to surrender her every right of burying her brother. When Creon asserts his authority, “But that man / the city places in authority, his orders / must be obeyed, large and small / right and wrong.” (748-751), he is clearly saying it as himself that it is his right to government the land as he wants and what he says is law. However, on the contrary, the sane voice of the Chorus points out that a wise man continues learning and does not assert his wisdom. The point is to use language or words cautiously. In fact, this is appraisal of the Sophoclean idea that man has found out language to defy divinely ordained laws and he should not defy gods by making his own words supreme instead of the divine words. However, the reference is clear to the ode after having Creon’s speech in Antigone as how ingenuous has he become.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, his character in the light of this ode becomes very much clear after Creon’s speech in Antigone in that he asserts his right to government through his ingenuity of using the language. He makes his words as divine laws and asks others to accept what he sees, though the Chorus does not agree with him or his interpretation. Although he tries very much that his words, if lost on deaf ears, would create chaos and disorder in the city as he is ordained by gods to rule the land, this does not make any difference. In fact, his ingenuity of using the language backfires and he loses his worth in the face of the sanguine thinking of the Chorus and the resistance of Antigone.
Works Cited
Relevant Questions about Creon’s Speech in Antigone
- How does Creon’s speech in Antigone shape the central arguments and justifications for his decision to prohibit the burial of Polynices? How do these arguments reflect his beliefs and values as a ruler?
- Within the context of the play, how does Creon’s speech in Creaon, its rhetorical tone and style during his speech about the burial prohibition convey his authority and unwavering resolve as the king of Thebes? Are there moments in Creon’s speech where his language becomes more emotional or less authoritative, and what might these moments reveal about his character?
- What is the dramatic impact of Creon’s speech in Antigone on the other characters in the play, particularly Antigone and Haemon? How does Creon’s speech contribute to the escalating conflict and tragic events that unfold in the play?
