How does creon's change of heart make his downfall even more dramatic in scene 5 of anigone?

Answer 1

In Scene 5 of "Antigone," Creon's change of heart deepens his downfall by highlighting the tragic consequences of his earlier stubbornness and pride. When he finally decides to free Antigone and bury Polynices, it's too late; his actions come only after irreversible tragedy has struck, including the deaths of his son Haemon and his wife Eurydice. This moment underscores the themes of fate and the limits of human authority, illustrating how Creon’s initial rigidity leads to personal and societal devastation. His realization of the cost of his decisions adds to the emotional weight of his tragic end.