FREE ESSAY ON COMPARE/CONTRAST CREON AND OEDIPUS

COMPARE/CONTRAST CREON AND OEDIPUS

Amy Guy
English 2nd Hr.
November 22, 1999
Compare/contrast Oedipus and Creon as Leaders
In the plays Oedipus of Rex and Antigone by Sophocles, Oedipus and Creon exert similar
characteristics as leaders that ultimately result in their characterization as tragic
heroes. Their overbearing determination, relentless pride, uncontrollable fate, and
enormous grievances all portray the inevitable outcome. Sophocles writes that the
characters in the plays are chasten not because of something they had done in the past
but merely it is their fate. Oedipus and Creon can not stop their fate no matter what
great lengths they go to. Revealing that catharsis is created when the audience has pity
or fear when they see that bad things can happen to good people. For this purpose,
neither Oedipus nor Creon where good leaders because both were hypocritical tragic
heroes. 
Initially, both Oedipus and Creon exert an overbearing determination that can be the
tragic flaw that destroys their lives. However, both have contrasting motives. Oedipus
was determined to find the killer of King Laius saying, As for the criminal, I pray to
God- whether it be a lurking thief, or one of a number- I pray that that man's life be
consumed in evil and wretchedness and as for me this curse applies no less... (World Lit
316). Creon' s motive of determination was not to back down from his word and law. The
law was whoever buries Polyneices would be publicly stoned to death, since Polyneices
didn't deserve a proper burial for his actions in war. Creon later finds out that
Antigone has buried her brother and Creon replies  She has much to learn. The inflexible
heart breaks first, the toughest iron cracks first, and the wildest horses bend their
neck at the pull of the smallest curb...Breaking the law and boasting of it. Who is the
man here she or I, if this crime goes unpunished? (Western Literature 692) Neither
Oedipus nor Creon wants to show that they are weak leaders so they ironically empower
their tragic flaws with what they think is right.
In addition to their overbearing determination, both Oedipus and Creon show relentless
pride that fulfills their fates. Oedipus' pride doesn't allow him to see that he is the
killer that he is looking for, and consequently gouges out his eyes because he was so
dishonored by his unwillingness to stop looking for the killer. He banishes himself, even
though blind, so not to embarrass himself anymore. On the other hand, Creon's pride
causes him to have a fight with his son Haimon about Antigone's punishment. The fight was
never intended, but when Haimon suggested how Creon should rule by what he thought was
right and by what he had heard on the streets Creon's pride couldn't take it. Creon was
so absorbed in himself, he questions how could he take advice from a prince when he
gloats in his own wisdom. As leaders Oedipus and Creon let their pride take over good
judgement and allow fate to play a role. 
Equally important, is that neither Oedipus nor Creon could control their fate. Oedipus
even went to great lengths not to let fate be carried out. Oedipus 
moves away from home and refuses to see or speak to his parents even though this causes
both of them much pain. Oedipus knew that he would kill his father and sleep with is
mother and he takes many precautions but they were only in vein. Oedipus finds out that
he was adopted and had killed his father Laius and unknowingly slept with his mother
Jocasta. Parallel to this was the fact that Creon would lose his son to his pride and
also lose Antigone, even though he later decided to set her free. He now has to live with
his decision and the fact that he was wrong. The fate that controls the lives of Oedipus
and Creon shows that bad things can happen to good people whether or not they deserved it
and that fate controls everyone even kings. 
Simultaneously, both Oedipus and Creon end with grievances beyond comprehension.
Oedipus's grievance is that his own law exiles him and that he looses his children.
Oedipus shows his remorse to his children when he says Children: I could say much, if you
could understand me, but as it is, I have only this prayer for you: Live where you can be
happier, please God, than God has made your father! (World Lit. 366). Likewise, Creon
looses his son Haimon. He also looses his wife because his wife lost her child as well
and couldn't live with out him and so she kills herself. Creon's reply is Oh pity! All
true, all true, and more than I can bear! Oh my wife my son!... It is right that it
should be. I alone am guilty. I know it and say it. Lead me in quickly, friends. I have
neither life nor substance. Lead me in. (Western Literature 711) 
The humanity is now showing through Oedipus and Creon and as leaders they both realize
now what they have done and how they want to take everything back, but they can't.
Therefore they live in their misery. Such catharsis that pours from the audience is
unbearable.
In brief, the actions and words of Oedipus and Creon can account for their poor
leadership, but fate played the upper hand. Fate did not allow for Oedipus or Creon to
rule long enough to have the experience to be considered wise, noble leaders who could
face any situation.