Relating to Creon through Pity and Fear
As a character in Antigone, Creon is a more relatable character due to his own flaws and his dramatic fall from grace and power. Some may analyze his personality and have prejudices against Creon by finding him inhuman and having no pity, however, by analyzing his situation Creon is more relatable. The power of being the new ruler of Thebes was bestowed upon Creon after the death of Polyneices and Eteocles; Creon had no prior knowledge of being a ruler and this situation is now declared his responsibility. In addition to the sudden applications of responsibilities, Creon must also consider and avoid any faults or flaws due to the failures of the previous kings of Thebes such as Oedipus who suffered a disastrous fate or King Laius who suffered an associated fate.  Creon has both responsibility and must avoid failure which, when his tragic error occurs, causes there to be a feeling of pity for him. Antigone’s chose her fate and made her decisions, however, Creon did not make a choice for Polyneices and Eteocles to die thus giving him the power of king. Unlike Antigone, Creon was forced to adapt to his situation and attempt to solve his issues; Antigone chose to deviate from specific norms and expectations thus creating a conflict. Creon’s situation portrays him as a more relatable character as he encounters and unexpected situation and must adapt as needed. Everyday people encounter situations, which may or may not be complex, but are forced to react as needed. Antigone chose her fate the instant she arrogantly proclaimed herself as the transgressor for burying her brother; this audacity and ‘blind pride’ led Antigone to her tragic demise. Creon did not choose for Polyneices and Eteocles to die and leave him with power but he could not escape the dire needs of the situation; he was forced into his demise. A feeling both fear and pity is deeply invoked by Creon due to how positive and simplistic his life was before his dilemma involving Antigone; he has respect, a moderate amount power and a family. His situation put his life into chaos, not his choices, and ultimately led to his tragic flaw. – Shannon V. Robinson