The boy went to his local corner shop to buy the latest issue of Batman. The boy rushed straight into the store despite his best efforts to keep his excitement in check. He carefully scanned through the magazines and comics until he found his target. Slowly, he removed the magazine from its original position. When he looked closer, his expression went from wild-eyed to confused. The title, Robin: a True Hero, was the one advertised in last month’s issue. He read it on the floor, despite being upset by his discovery. He became increasingly concerned as he continued to read. Robin’s name was proudly displayed as the comic title but he wasn’t as prominent as Batman. The child was shocked to learn that Robin, who had been marked as the title, was actually captured by the Joker only halfway through. Robin didn’t even appear until the boy finished his reading. You may recognize this situation. The Greek play Antigone written by Sophocles is full of a debate over the title of the main character. Antigone the daughter Oedipus’ cursed son, as well Creon, the majestic king Thebes, are the two main characters of this historical work. Creon the king, of Thebes is my choice as the protagonist of this Greek play. This argument can be made using three points: Creon suffers a lot, he is tragic, and he has learned a valuable lesson. Creon is no different from other main characters in Greek Drama. He suffers loss and emotional anguish. Creon, by his relation to Oedipus, was already a victim. The curse of the House of Oedipus has predetermined his fate, and he will either suffer, die, or both. Antigone’s death is the first step in his loss. His son also commits suicide. Antigone has broken a Creon order: to not bury Polynices. She breaks the law to satisfy the gods. Creon then seals her up in a rocky cave to die. Antigone’s body is found in the cave after Creon realizes his mistake. Haemon Creon’s Son, Antigone’s soon-to-be husband, rushes in to mourn. In anger and regret he uses his sword to kill himself next to the body of his lover. Creon returns to his castle, overcome with grief. Eurydice Creon’s mother, upon hearing of her death, slips off quietly. She then stabs her heart with a sharp dagger just before Creon’s returning. Creon is made to suffer because he realizes that the whole blame lies with him. Medea lost her friends, children, and even her land in Euripides’s play Medea. Creon suffers the same suffering as Medea and wishes that his life would end in order to relieve his pain. In the play, Creon says, “Come to me, Fate! Appear, come, bring my final date; Fill up their total!” Come fast, I beg you; Do not let me see another day. (51). Sophocles’ play is a sad one. One might wonder what it’s all about. Morality is a key concept. Creon’s sticky situation was not a waste. Creon learned many valuable lessons, including morality. Moderation is a lesson that has been emphasized in all Greek myths, dramas and architecture. Creon, who is overconfident and wants to keep his power in the city, does not want anyone to challenge him. He is new to his job and makes his first judgement against Polynices’ body. He orders that it not be buried, but left to dogs. He threatens public stoning for anyone who disobeys him. He boldly declared, “No one shall bury him ;…His corpse shall be left for dogs and fowls to devour.” (9) However, his bad attitude is overtaken when Antigone warns him, “If their sin/Belongs to them-O may the punishment/Be measured by my wrongfulness!” (34) Despite this, Creon seals Antigone in the cave. Tiresias warns him that he should release Antigone as soon as possible and also perform the correct burial rituals of Polynices. Creon is unwilling to comply and accuses Tiresias that he has taken bribes. But the Chorus leader convinces him because Tiresias never erred. His stubbornness has its consequences. The chorus of Theban Senators beautifully expresses Creon’s message.
The well-being of a person is based on wisdom
Maketh. Heaven’s Insistence
The irreverence of the human being is not tolerated.
And great blows great speeches avenging,
Deal on an egotist
Finally, teach men to age with wisdom. (52). Creon discovers a boaster’s life will be far from modesty. He says, “Yes, I am aware of my shame!” (48). The end result was that he realized his mistakes and learnt from them.
Creon, the tragic hero of Greek tragedies, is no exception. Creon is a tragic figure who struggles to do the right thing, makes choices that cause him pain, fights against injustices, has flaws in character and, yet, still falls victim to fate. Creon was made king by Eteocles’ death in the Battle for Thebes. This battle began after Polynices had attacked Thebes. Creon assumed the throne with an aggressive attitude towards Thebes’ enemy. He punishes the traitor and those who stand with him. Creon’s decision to sentence Antigone to death was one that caused her great pain. This decision set off an explosion of violence that left three dead and a king remorseful. Creon is horrified by his actions toward both Polynices (Antigone) and Polynices. So he tries to right them. He tried to make a mistake, his judgements against Polynices & Antigone, into a good. Creon’s arrogant attitude is a flaw in his character that strengthens his role within this situation. His hubris leads to heated arguments with Antigone, Sentinel as well as his followers. Tiresias is also involved in these confrontations. Tiresias tells Creon to “vent his spleen” on younger men. He also says that he should learn how to have a more gentle tongue and a more sober brain than what he has now. Creon finally suffers fate’s wrath. All Greek tragedies have stories of people, even Gods, trying to evade fate. They have not been successful. Creon’s fate is affected through Oedipus’ curse. The Chorus sings:
Fate brings a lot of stress.
No wealth, no war, and no ward.
Black ships are not allowed to cleave the sea
Can she resist or run away? (35). Creon’s black cape and cowl may not be present, but the description of the earlier paper could make him resemble Batman. I think that despite the play being called Antigone, Creon should still be considered the main character. Creon is the central character in this play. He’s the one who lives the longest, has the most lines, and stands in many moral disputes. This knowledge will help the reader to read Antigone differently and from both perspectives. Creon and Antigone are not viewed as the good guy or bad guy. They are both considered to be fighting for what is right.
