Faith and Reason

Some say Earth was created,

Some say formed.

From what I know of faith,

I hold with those who favor creation.

But if I was to think twice,

I think I’ve heard enough of reason

To say that formation

Is reasonable

And would meet ends.

Memories

What happens to memories?

Do they fade
like a balloon released?
Or hide like a child --
Then reappear?
Do they run like a dream abandoned?
Or stay nearby --
Like a treasure?

Maybe they just rot
Like a fruit in the sun.

Or do they bloom?

Creon's Character Analysis

            Sophocles’s Antigone is a play about love, loyalty, and respect. It takes place in Ancient Greece, increasing the importance of certain morals emphasized in the play. Most of the characters in Antigone are true to their beliefs. However, there are, of course, characters that do not portray these beliefs in an appropriate manner, such as Creon. He is a stubborn, ignorant, ruler who believes that he can do no wrong.

            Creon, symbolically meaning “heir to the throne”, is a stereotypical ancient ruler. He believes that he is always right, and other peoples’ ideas seem foolish to him. In this play, he is the main antagonist. He goes against the laws of the gods, feeling that he is protecting his country. Although he was told many times that this was wrong, he did not falter, for he truly believed that he was doing the right thing.

However, nearing the end of the play, he heard a prophecy from Tiresias, his fortune-teller, saying that he would pay the consequences, “a corpse for corpses, in exchange for those [he has] sent from above the earth to below it”. (lines 1074 -1076) This caused him to drastically change his mind. Although Creon does change his ways, attempting to recuperate his mistakes, it has no effect, for his destiny was set. Death took the lives of Antigone, his son Haemon, and his wife.

This sudden change, however, reveals that he is, in reality, insecure. Creon is seemingly strong and powerful, but he is actually uncertain of this power. He feels the need to enforce unreasonable laws to feel the control that he has. This uncertainty is revealed when he is frightened and jumps on the bandwagon. He completely alters his ideas and does anything that his advisors say.

Rulers should have many strengths, but Creon has only one. This strength is his love. He loves his country, and admires his son. Nevertheless, he has several weaknesses, primarily his pride, along with his lack of wisdom.

When his country is calm and without turmoil, he makes decisions easily, with no hesitation. However, when he is pressured or depended upon, he turns to others opinions. This is also a sign of weakness, for he cannot execute rational decisions when it is essential.

            He is a typical ruler, feeling as if he is doing right. Unfortunately, he does not have the leadership skills needed for his title. Creon is a stubborn, ignorant, ruler who believes that he can do no wrong.