The Character Creon in Sophocles' Antigone
             Throughout Sophocles' tragedy Antigone, Creon misperceives his role and even the nature of his world and thus suffers tragic consequences. In fact, the perpetuation and eventual elimination of this illusion reveals the underlying theme of the play that humans must operate under certain restrictions and if those limitations are obliterated as a result of one's great pride, the gods will punish that mortal. While Creon's decree may initially be regarded as an attempt to restore civil order and establish authority, that law does not coincide with divine law. As Creon continually refuses to retract his decree, he reveals that he irrationally believes his civil law need not be subordinate to the laws of the gods even though divine law must always be obeyed. Moreover, Creon incorrectly deems himself to be supreme and in control of everything, even others' mortality. Creon's proud nature causes him to overstep his limited power as he issues civil laws. However, no human, even if the King of Thebes, is all-powerful or able to supercede the laws of the gods. Thus, Creon displaced divine law as he deprived Polyneices of a suitable and traditional burial and as he sentenced Antigone to an early death for obeying divine law rather than civil law. As a result of his proud actions and rejection of the warnings from others, his initial illusion builds and he eventually becomes delusional. Indeed, one can recognize the significance of Creon's misperception by simply tracing its path through the tragic curve until ultimately Creon suffers irreversible tragic consequences, further demonstrating that divine law is omnipotent and human pride leads to catastrophe.
             Creon misconceives his own human power as he creates civic laws that do not coincide with divine law. As he oversteps his restrictions imposed by the gods, Creon brings about his own ruin because he fails...