CompareContrast Creon and Oedipus

A detailed Summary of CompareContrast Creon and Oedipus

Compare/contrast Oedipus and Creon as Leaders

In the plays Oedipus of Rex and Antigone by Sophocles, Oedipus and Creon exert similar characteristics as leaders that ultimately result in their characterization as tragic heroes. Their overbearing determination, relentless pride, uncontrollable fate, and enormous grievances all portray the inevitable outcome. Sophocles writes that the characters in the plays are chasten not because of something they had done in the past but merely it is their fate. Oedipus and Creon can not stop their fate no matter what great lengths they go to. Revealing that catharsis is created when the audience has pity or fear when they see that bad things can happen to good people. For this purpose, neither Oedipus nor Creon where good leaders because both were hypocritical tragic heroes.

Initially, both Oedipus and Creon exert an overbearing determination that can be the tragic flaw that destroys their lives. However, both have contrasting motives. Oedipus was determined to find the killer of King Laius saying, "As for the criminal, I pray to God- whether it be a lurking thief, or one of a number- I pray that that man's life be consumed in evil

Equally important, is that neither Oedipus nor Creon could control their fate. Oedipus even went to great lengths not to let fate be carried out. Oedipus

Simultaneously, both Oedipus and Creon end with grievances beyond comprehension. Oedipus's grievance is that his own law exiles him and that he looses his children. Oedipus shows his remorse to his children when he says "Children: I could say much, if you could understand me, but as it is, I have only this prayer for you: Live where you can be happier, please God, than God has made your father!" (World Lit. 366). Likewise, Creon looses his son Haimon. He also looses his wife because his wife lost her child as well and couldn't live with out him and so she kills herself. Creon's reply is "Oh pity! All true, all true, and more than I can bear! Oh my wife my son!... It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it and say it. Lead me in quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in." (Western Literature 711)

and wretchedness and as for me this curse applies no less..." (World Lit 316). Creon' s motive of determination was not to back down from his word and law. The law was whoever buries Polyneices would be publicly stoned to death, since Polyneices didn't deserve a proper burial for his actions in war. Creon later finds out that Antigone has buried her brother and Creon replies " She has much to learn. The infl

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Approximate Word count = 956
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English