Creon feels that the authority of the state is supreme over that of natural law and that it shouldn't be tested or questioned by any. However when the authority of the state is questioned Creon feels that the law as supported by the authority of the state should punish said questioner and set a precedent for others who may secretly question the state. Essentially Creon feels that the state should not and perhaps may not even have the ability to show any form of weakness or necessarily mercy and remain or be a functioning and effective governing force.
Creon views Oedipus with a mix of respect and caution. Initially, he is supportive and loyal, as he is a member of the royal family and has helped Oedipus in the past. However, as the story unfolds and Oedipus’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and accusatory, Creon grows wary of Oedipus's decisions and mental state, ultimately asserting his own authority and seeking to protect the kingdom from Oedipus's downfall.
Creon exerts authority over Oedipus.
he valued his pride and authority most.
Creon views the bond between Haemon and Antigone with disdain and concern. He believes that Haemon's love for Antigone threatens his authority and the stability of the state, as he prioritizes loyalty to the laws of Thebes over personal relationships. Creon feels that Haemon's attachment may lead him to defy his father's commands, which further fuels his determination to punish Antigone for her defiance. Ultimately, Creon's rigid adherence to power blinds him to the genuine emotions and values that Haemon and Antigone share.
It makes him feel high.
Creon decides not to bury Polyneices because he views him as a traitor who attacked Thebes, opposing the state's authority and values. By denying him a proper burial, Creon aims to reinforce his edict and assert his power as ruler, demonstrating that disloyalty will not be tolerated. This decision reflects Creon's rigid adherence to law and order, but it ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
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Creon decrees that Eteocles, who fought for Thebes, should be honored with a proper burial, while Polyneices, who attacked the city, is to be left unburied as punishment for his betrayal. This edict reflects Creon's belief in loyalty to the state and his desire to uphold order after the civil conflict. Disobeying this order would be seen as a challenge to Creon’s authority and the law of the land.
Creon defends his decision to arrest and execute Antigone by arguing that maintaining law and order is essential for the stability of the state. He believes that her defiance of the king's edict undermines authority and sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the very fabric of society. Creon emphasizes that loyalty to the state must take precedence over personal relationships or familial ties, asserting that no one is above the law. By enforcing the punishment, he aims to demonstrate the consequences of rebellion against governmental authority.
In his initial speech, Creon praises values such as loyalty to the state, order, and the importance of laws. He emphasizes the need for unity and stability in governance, asserting that the well-being of the city depends on citizens' adherence to authority and collective responsibility. Additionally, Creon underscores the idea that those who prioritize the state over personal ties or family allegiances embody true patriotism.
In Creon's opening words in "Antigone," he employs the metaphor of the state as a ship. He suggests that just as a ship requires a strong captain to navigate through storms, the state needs a decisive leader to maintain order and stability. This metaphor underscores his belief in authority and control as essential for the survival of the community. It reflects Creon’s view of leadership as a necessary force against chaos.
Creon is motivated by a desire to maintain order and authority in Thebes, prioritizing the state's laws and his role as king above all else. In contrast, Haemon, Creon's son, is driven by love for Antigone and a longing for compassion and understanding, advocating for individual rights and the importance of familial bonds. This generational conflict highlights the tension between rigid authority and the need for empathy, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.