Antigone By David Greene :: essays research papers

THE QUALITIES OF CREON As readers, we have to make judgments and interpretations of different characters. In the book, Antigone, translated by David Greene, there is a character by the name of Creon. While reading Antigone, some important descriptions about Creon become apparent. He views himself as the perfect leader, believes he is always correct, and wants control over people. Creon believes he is the only perfect ruler for Thebes. He believes that he can create a better city with his presence: "I would not be silent if I saw ruin,…" (p.168 l.203-204). "I would not count any enemy of my country as a friend-" (p.168 l.205-206). He further continues by stating "I will make her greater still" (p.168 l.210). In this last quote Creon declares that he will improve the city (she) by his rulings. Creon describes how his qualities make him a good ruler and how he would act in different situations. Furthermore, Creon views himself a good leader because he believes he has the best attributes and no one can compare to him. Creon shows his over-confidence when he boasts of his role as the perfect ruler of Thebes. In addition, Creon believes he is always correct in his judgments and his beliefs. Before the sentry even explains the event that has occurred, the sentry states that he is only a messenger and that he has not committed the act. Yet Creon still accuses the sentry of receiving money for the act and threatens to punish him. "That will teach you in the days to come from what you may draw profit…ill-gotten gains ruin more than they save" (p.172-173 l.342-346). Creon does not think logically that the sentry would not turn himself in for such an impious act. Consequently, the Chorus suggests that the act may have been committed by God. Creon stops this "nonsense" conversation immediately and rebukes that Zeus and the gods would not honor criminals. Creon seems to believe he knows everything and stubbornly refuses to listen to others. He goes as far as not believing his son, Haemon, when Haemon informs his father of the reputation he has created to the citizens. Creon believes that "It seems this boy (Haemon) is on the woman’s side (Antigone)" (p.190 l. 803). Creon refuses to believe what Haemon says and attacks Haemon for siding with Antigone. Creon’s stubbornness brings about his own downfall when he chooses not to believe Teiresias, the blind prophet.