What can too much pride do to you?
In this story, I have read about a king who his pride overshadows him and is his downfall in the end. A princess named Antigone tries to bury her fallen brother Polyneices; who died in a war against his own brother Etocles. Etocles also shares the same fate as his brother. Creon, uncle of the two is crowned king and give militarial burial to Etocles for “fighting for his country.” While Polyneices is out being pecked, bitten, and decaying. Antigone will not stand for that and goes out to bury her brother Polyneices. Creon finds out that Antigone did it and locks her up. That is where his pride really gets to him.
What made Creon noble enough to rule the city?
Well, Polyneices and Etocles both killed each other and Oedipus had already died. Creon was a family member so he pretty much fell into it. He honors the city more than his family that is where his pride gets to him again. This quote,” Nevertheless, I say to you at the very outset that I have nothing but contempt for the kind of governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the state.” Creon is saying he will do whatever it takes to keep the city under control even if it means punishing family. “No one values friendship more highly than I; but we must remember that friends made at risk of wrecking our ship are not real friends at all.” Creon will have no use or no trust for friends if they make a mistake.
What can pride do to you?
Creon makes mistakes like in this quote, “O my son, these are no trifles! Think: all men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs no evil. The only crime is pride.” Creon’s flaw was his pride and his ego. He didn’t want women showing him off by going out and burying Polyneices or his son trying to talk him out of killing Antigone. Pride would be any king’s downfall. “How dreadful it is when the right judge judges wrong!”
When is the right time when someone recognizes their mistakes?
It was a little too late for Creon. It all started when Creon refused to bury Polyneices. Polyneices and Etocles had an argument which later turned into a war. Etocles did not want Polyneices to rule the city. Polyneices was angered and turned against him and were both killed. That is why Creon will not bury Polyneices. Creon should had recognized his mistake earlier. Now Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice are dead. The Gods refuse the body of Polyneices and they are angered with Creon. “Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish; I have killed my son and wife. I look for comfort; my comfort lies here dead. Whatever my hands have touched has come to nothing. Fate has brought all my pride to a though of dust.” Creon has recognized his mistakes too late and now his family is dead.
Now Creon is left alone to think for a very long time of the mistakes he committed. The play ends with the Choragus talking to the audience speaking aloud,” And proud men in old age learn to be wise.” This meaning it is better to think with your mind and not your pride.
