Sophocles Antigone - Creon and Antigone :: Antigone essays

Creon and Antigone Antigone Sophocles When a dictator dies, his image and fame dies with him, but when a self-denying individual dies, their legacy begins. This statement is true because oppressed citizens do not fondly mention a mean ruler, such as Creon from Antigone, after he passes away. Yet a martyr, such as Antigone, also from the story Antigone, is remembered for her self-sacrificing deeds. Creon allow for not be remembered because he did not allow Antigone to bury her knackered brother Polynices, and decides to execute Antigone for trying while Antigones legacy embarrass live on because she has the courage to defy Creon, and chooses to sacrifice herself for Polynices honor. First, Creon is a tyrant. His rule will not be remembered for many reasons, one being that he desecrates family honor. When a son or father dies in battle, they are carried home to be powerful buried by their families. Eteocles, Antigones other dead brother, is a patriot and is buried because he fi ghts for Thebes. However, Polynices is not buried because he rebels against Thebes. Creon leaves Polynices body out to be attacked by dogs and vultures. This angers the people of Thebes because family honor is very important to them. Therefore, the people of Thebes will not remember Creon because of his offensive deeds performed while he is on the throne. Second, Creon will be forgotten because he decides to execute Antigone. Her punishment is to be locked in a blocked cave until she dies. Although later on in the story, Creon does decide to scanty her, it is too late. The people of Thebes are astounded at the fact that Creon would even conceive of such a horrible punishment. Antigone acted on family honor, which is understood. Therefore, his people will forget Creon. Third, Antigone is a wonderful example of a martyr. Her legacy will live on, and inspire many other rebels to stand up for their beliefs. Antigone dared to defy the Kings threat of death to bury her brother, and sh ows true family pride. The people take pity on Antigone, and feel that she should be let alone. Haemon, Creons son and Antigones betrothed, states how the people of Thebes feel. On either side I hear voices of pity for this poor girl doomed to the cruelest deathfor an honorable action-burying a brother who was killed in battlehas she not sooner earned a crown of gold (