Creon admonishes the leader who proposes the gods may bury Polynices. He states “Stop — before you make me choke with anger — the gods!” (317-318). Creon does not understand how the gods could possibly favor a sinner over him. Creon cites Polynices sins of “[stealing] their golden treasures — scorch their hallowed earth” (324). The comparison between prized goods and godly attention runs through
Antigone. Wealth is a double-edged sword. Creon characterizes himself as a man who is loftier than common people because of his wealth. This esteem, should, grant him greater attention from the gods. Conversely, when the sentry is accused of stealing silver, the desire for money turns negative. Creon turns into a hypocrite when he reprimands the sentry “you squandered your life for silver!” (365). Creon’s characterization of power and wealth show how corrupt he is. When he is wealthy, he deserves godly attention. When low class people acquire wealth, they are shamed for desiring it. King Creon’s need for ultimate control is an overarching theme in the entire play. He controls Antigone’s actions (or tries to). He controls the emotions of his servants. He controls the perception of the gods. Through this lens, ancient Greece is a true dictatorship. King Creon utilizes propaganda, such as Polynice’s forbidden burial, to further his control over his territory. By developing shame in the civilians, controlling perception of the gods, and amassing wealth for himself, King Creon characterizes himself as a corrupt politician. Creon states “Money! Nothing worse in our lives…so corrupting” (335-336). This false aphorism underscores Creon’s fraudulent behavior. In front of civilians he plays the part of a just ruler, when in reality he is the opposite.
Creon’s story parallels the story of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. Akhenaten once ruled Thebes during an extremely wealthy period for Egypt. He embraced the power he held and reformed society. Akhenaten changed religion and made a central god (Aten) deviating from the traditional beliefs. The power he had consumed him and weakened the society. Like Creon, Akhenaten preached his beliefs even though the people did not agree. We have witnessed the effect of money on people/society and we can assume Creon faces a similar fate.
ReplyDeleteThis analysis of Creon is very amusing as his corrupt behavior is very relatable to any person during any time period. Corruption follows a society - it's an inevitable consequence of the involvement of money. Creon's two sides allow him to remain such a dominant leader in his society. He plays all angles of the spectrum well because he has developed such a dictatorship. Like all corrupt politicians, the truth and downfall of Creon is soon to come.
ReplyDelete