Polyneices and Eteocles, two brothers, had killed each other in battle. Their uncle Creon, the new king, buried Eteocles with military honors, but forbad the burial of Polyneices as he considered him a traitor. Antigone, the sister of them both, feels she has to bury her own brother even though it is against the king's will. The play begins with an argument between Antigone and Ismene, her sister. Ismene tries to dissuade her against burying Polyneices, because she is afraid that Creon will punish Antigone by death; but her effort comes to no avail.

Creon became the king of Thebes after the death of the former king, Eteocles. Originally, Creon tries to do what is best for his country. However, he is a proud man. Even when he is wrong, he does not back down. Aristotle believed that some error or frailty brings about the misfortune of a character in a tragedy. For Creon, this frailty is a weakness in his character. His excessive pride brings about his own downfall.

Creon's guards seal Antigone in a cave and leave her there to die. Soon after, Teiresias, the blind prophet, brings disturbing news to Creon. The gods are deaf to their prayers, the fire recoils from their offerings, and the birds of omen have killed each other. Creon's actions have greatly angered the gods. Teiresias says to Creon, "These are no trifles! Think: all men make mistakes, /But a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, /And repairs the evil. The only crime is pride."(334) Once again, Creon refuses to listen to the wise words of others. This time, though, it is not a mere mortal but the gods who demand reparation. Even so, Creon cannot admit to his mistakes. The idea that he, the king, is wrong is so alien to Creon that he instead places the blame on Teiresias, the prophet who speaks for the gods. He accuses Teiresias of taking bribes, of exchanging his wisdom for gold. Creon does not truly listen until the chorus, the people of his land, speaks out. When they reason with him, his pride finally gives in to wisdom.

for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the

I look for comfort; my comfort lies here dead.

welfare-I have no use for him, either. I call God to witness that if I

Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust. (340)

Creon, being a new king, is determined to establish his aut

Some common words found in the essay are:
Teiresias Creon, Originally Creon, Thebes Antigone, Creon Haimon, Polyneices Eteocles, Creon Convinced, King Creon, Antigone Ismene, Soon Teiresias, , creon king,
Approximate Word count = 928
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)