e I feared the arrogance of man, how to the gods could I make satisfaction (line 408)? Creons hubris causes him to think that he must put Antigone to death because she chooses to follow the gods laws over his. Many people try to warn him and beg him to reconsider. First, Haemon tries to appeal to his fathers sense of reason when he says, The gods have given men the gift of reason, greatest of all things that we call our owndo not feel your word, and yours alone, must be correct (line 625). Creon, because of his pride, becomes furious with his young son for trying to teach him wisdom, and says, One thing is certain: You are going to pay for taunting and insulting me (line 709). Next, Tiresias comes to warn him that he stands upon the brink of ruin (line 918). But Creon refuses to heed his warning and accuses Tiresias of profiteering. Finally, after Tiresiass doomful prophecy, the Chorus tries to change the Kings mind. At first Creon resists the advisement of the chorus by stating To yield is bitter. But to resist and bring a curse on my pride is no less bitter (line 1025). But the Chorus eventually convinces him to release Antigone from the tomb in which she is imprisoned. Unfortunately, Creon realizes his hubris and his wrong decision a little too late. He discovers that Antigone is already dead, and watches as his son takes his own life. As he mourns his loss and wallows in guilt he receives word from the messenger that his wife, Eurydice, cursed his name as she committed suicide. In the process of going from ignorance to knowledge, he loses Antigone, his wife, and his son. Although he is unable to absolve the tragedy that has occurred all his suffering humbles him as he states, My lesson has been bitter and complete (line 1203).Creon, by definition, is the most tragic hero in the play Antigone. Creon is a man of high position and he is an essentially good person, his inevitable downfall is fueled by pride and arrogance, and his s...
