ANTIGONE
In the play Antigone, the main character, Antigone committed a crime and was punished by King Kreon. Due to the degree of crime, she was sentenced to death. This death sentence caused tremendous amounts of grief between King Kreon and Haimon, the Kings son. Antigones felony and the Kings sentence of her death brought about the major conflict of Haimon and Kreon, which ended in Kreons loss of everything.
I did not believe that Zeus was the one who had proclaimed it; neither did Justice (Sophocles, 39), Antigone stated before the king. The first source of conflict is this phrase. Had Antigone been remorseful of her crime, she may not have been as severely punished. Since she was tremendously motivated to do right for her brother, she was too stubborn to repent. Consequently, her punishment was carried out. An important key in the play was Antigones demeanor in her trial before the king, which led to the major conflict between Kreon and Haimon.
Haimon, Antigones fianc and Kreons son, played a pivotal role in the drama. When Haimon heard the horrific news, he went to his father. Haimon loyally stated, I am your son. You direct a course for me with good intentions, and I follow it. I dont believe marriage is more important to me than you and your good leadership (Sophocles, 46). Haimon respectfully confronted his father after showing loyalty , that no one is more innocent, no death more awful, no deeds more noble than hers; with her own brother fallen, slaughtered then not buried, she wouldnt leave him for the dogs and crows butchering. Shouldnt her fate be golden glory? Isnt she worthy? (Sophocles, 48). Kreon was too obstinate, and would not change. There is no use. You will never marry Antigone. Not in this world (Sophocles, 51). Kreons decision to put Antigone to death served as the major conflict of the story.
As a whole, the point of play was to show mans fetal attempts to be like God. Kreon began as a noble king with many blessings, but as the story progressed he lost important possessions and traits. The first thing he lost was his ability to judge right and wrong. In his selfish mind, the only answer was to get rid of Antigone and that would fix the problem. Obviously, it did not work for him. After losing his judgment, he lost Haimons respect because he would not save Antigone. Finally, Kreon lost his son, his wife, and his position as the king. Kreons world collapsed around him because of his decision to take Antigones life.
Kreon was depleted of everything he loved because Antigones actions and his own senseless decisions. When Antigone was tried, she would not relent of her wrong-doing. As a result, Kreon punished her to a death sentence after ignoring Haimons advice. In the end, Kreon gained nothing and lost everything. Therefore, humans should never act as if they are God.
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