Creon: The Method behind the Madness
In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, Creon spends more time onstage in these three plays than any other character except the Chorus. Creon is both Jocasta's brother and a loyal Theban citizen. Creon proves to be an effective foil to the protagonist.Creon in Oedipus the King is shown to be separate from the citizens of Thebes. By referring to the people as "citizens", it demonstrates that he is looked upon as being above them. "Citizens, I have come because I heard the deadly words spread about me..." He is the brother of the queen after all. He tells Oedipus that he has brought news from the oracle and suggests that Oedipus hear it inside. Creon has the secretive, businesslike air of a politician, qualities that stand in sharp contrast to Oedipus, who tells him to speak out in front of everybody. While Oedipus insists on hearing Creon's news in public and builds his power as a political leader by promoting openness, Creon is a master of manipulation. He also treasures his integrity and his loyalty above everything e
Thus, Creon serves as an effective foil to the protagonist in addition Creon's profound understanding of statehood and his ideals about a good leadership are revealed. He is a fearless citizen, who does not hesitate to question the king's impulsive allegations. But if I were king myself, I must do much that went against the grain. Creon, in the end, emerges as a wiser man who has learnt much from the tragedy of Oedipus. He stands up for himself and even argues with the king, "You know yourself whether he said this, but I demand that I should hear as much from you as you from me. When Oedipus pleads that Creon should banish him from Thebes, Creon exhibits his prudence, "Oedipus, I've come not so that I might laugh at you nor taunt you with evil of the past. Only in the last scene Creon's short lines demonstrate his eagerness to exile Oedipus and separate him from his children. " He is kind to Oedipus and thoughtful enough to bring his daughters to him. This lends more credibility to his character as a learned nobleman of Thebes. "In the final scene Creon forgives Oedipus, the man who has censured him. Creon argues that he has no desire to usurp Oedipus as king because he, Jocasta, and Oedipus rule the kingdom with equal power-Oedipus is merely the king in name. " Oedipus is touched by Creon's caring nature. This argument may seem convincing, partly because at this moment in the play we are disposed to be sympathetic toward Creon, since Oedipus has just ordered his banishment, " Sister, Oedipus your husband, thinks he has the right to do terrible wrongs - he has but to choose between two terrors: banishing or killing me.
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Acceptance Essays
