Sentry
The news of Polyneices' body being left unburied was brought to Creon by the sentry. The sentry reported that someone had defied Creon's orders and buried Polyneices, which led to Creon's anger and the subsequent investigation to find the culprit.
The sentry is afraid to bring news of the burial to Creon because he fears punishment for failing to prevent it, as Creon has strictly prohibited the burial of Polyneices. His fears are justified, given Creon's harsh stance on disobedience. When the sentry finally reports the news, Creon accuses him of being complicit in the act, suggesting that if he had done his job properly, the burial would not have occurred. This accusation reflects Creon's paranoia and desire to maintain control over the situation.
The sentry returns to Creon’s palace to report the news that someone has buried Polynices, defying Creon's orders. He is apprehensive and fearful of the consequences, as he did not want to be the bearer of bad news. The sentry hopes to avoid punishment by bringing the information directly to Creon, highlighting his duty and the tension between following orders and the moral implications of those orders. His return signifies the mounting conflict between the law and individual conscience in the story.
When the sentry comes before Creon, he is visibly anxious and fearful, knowing that he must deliver bad news about the burial of Polyneices, which is against Creon's decree. He speaks cautiously, trying to appease Creon and avoid his wrath. The sentry's demeanor reflects his understanding of the serious consequences of the situation, highlighting the tension between duty and fear of authority. Ultimately, he feels trapped between his obligation to report the offense and his desire to escape punishment.
Sentry
The guard and sentry report it to him.
The news of Polyneices' body being left unburied was brought to Creon by the sentry. The sentry reported that someone had defied Creon's orders and buried Polyneices, which led to Creon's anger and the subsequent investigation to find the culprit.
The sentry is afraid to bring news of the burial to Creon because he fears punishment for failing to prevent it, as Creon has strictly prohibited the burial of Polyneices. His fears are justified, given Creon's harsh stance on disobedience. When the sentry finally reports the news, Creon accuses him of being complicit in the act, suggesting that if he had done his job properly, the burial would not have occurred. This accusation reflects Creon's paranoia and desire to maintain control over the situation.
The sentry returns to Creon’s palace to report the news that someone has buried Polynices, defying Creon's orders. He is apprehensive and fearful of the consequences, as he did not want to be the bearer of bad news. The sentry hopes to avoid punishment by bringing the information directly to Creon, highlighting his duty and the tension between following orders and the moral implications of those orders. His return signifies the mounting conflict between the law and individual conscience in the story.
The sentry brings news that the body of Polyneices has had dust spread over it so that it may pass safely through to the underworld. Creon is overtaken with rage and tells the messenger that if he doesn't find who did this than he would be killed.
Creon thinks the Sentry has buried the body of Polynices.
The sentry captured Antigone burying Polyneices and brought her to Creon
The sentry captured Antigone burying Polyneices and brought her to Creon
He orders the sentry to find out who is burying polyneices because he had strict orders to not bury him. Then the sentry brings Creon's niece Antigone in and sentences her to death.
The sentry wants Creon to perceive him as a loyal and honest servant who is simply doing his duty. He seeks to distance himself from any blame regarding the burial of Polyneices, emphasizing that he had no role in the act and is merely the bearer of news. By presenting himself in this manner, the sentry hopes to avoid punishment and maintain his position. Ultimately, he aims to convey a sense of innocence and compliance to Creon.
It is fear of false blame and undeserved punishment that makes the sentry afraid to tell Creon about Polyneices' burial in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the sentry is acquainted with Theban King Creon's narrow sense of right and wrong. He knows that Creon considers breaking his law wrong and punishing the offender right. He also knows that Creon may punish the bearer of bad news if there is no other person in sight to blame.