Creon Oedipus The King

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Creon Oedipus the King

Introduction

“Oedipus” is one of the most celebrated works of Sophocles in which he is shining a light on the life and fate of King Oedipus Rex. Sophocles, like the entire Greek society was a believer that fate plays an important role in life and this belief has been portrayed throughout this tragedy. In this tragedy, there are many important characters and one of these appealing characters is Creon. It won't be wrong to say that in Oedipus Trilogy, Creon, Oedipus's brother in law seems to be much different than any other figure. Creon is Jocasta’s brother and is being blamed by Oedipus with the claim that he wanted to get his throne. Few of the most appealing elements of Creon's character that make him different than others are, he is more scheming and political minded figure. He is the one who wanted to reveal fact regarding the murder of Jocasta’s first husband Laius and embodies the voice of reason.

Discussion

There could be witnessed a sense of rivalry when Creon goes to the oracle at Delphi to know about the curse on Thebes due to which they are facing famine and other diseases. At Delphi, he is being told that for ending the curse they have to find out the murderer of their old king only than they would be able to have peace and prosperity in their society. Character analysis of Creon spots a light on his characteristics that are opposite to Oedipus, as it could be witnessed that Oedipus is being presented as a storm while Creon maintains the calm atmosphere of the story and try to punish the murderer of old king only for the well-being of his people. He is as an honest and dignified man who never gives up on searching the truth. Creon put all his efforts for finding the murderer and at the end of the story, all the pieces of evidence and connections show that it was Oedipus who while escaping his fate from Corinth to Thebes, come across his real father, murdered him and married his mother due to which the whole of the Thebes was suffering.

Creon throughout this tragedy appears as the most sensible and responsible character who despite all allegations remains determined to unmask the culprit. His sensibility and intelligence could be seen when Creon asks to call Lord Tiresias, who though blind but could see what others cannot, so Oedipus agrees to call him as he wanted to know who murdered Laius (Stephens). Though Tiresias hesitate and refuse to say the truth but is being forced by Oedipus and the truth was revealed that Oedipus was the murderer who murdered his father and married his mother. Creon proves himself a good and loyal leader for the kingless state and proves that he could protect his people from any evil and could go beyond the boundaries for the well-being of his people. Creon emerged as a manipulative and willful person as he is a selfless person who has no personal benefits in revealing the real murderer. His character analysis shows that he is willing to do anything to gain his ends if it is in favor of this people. Perception about Creon changes as at times as he exhibits different characteristics.

Creon is not an impetuous character like Oedipus that's what makes him better than Oedipus as it could be seen that he let Oedipus complete and listens him patiently when Oedipus accuses him for knitting a plot against him. When Oedipus blames him of lying, claiming that Creon is the main player behind plotting all against him, even then he remains calm and cool that also seems to be his strength throughout the story. Though Creon seems to be the man of character and words, one of his greatest qualities is that of forgiving. It could be analyzed that despite all the allegation and being blamed of lying, Creon proves himself as a dignified and kind-hearted person who at once forgives Oedipus. He has no grudges for Oedipus and not only he forgives him but also took the responsibility of the upbringing of Oedipus and his sister Jocasta's children. He plays an important role in this tragedy and proves harmless for any situation being presented in this Greek tragedy (Putra et al, pp. 1-7). He shows kindness towards Oedipus even when his crime is revealed and does not think of harming him when he asks Creon to decide about his fate. Creon could be viewed as one of the strongest characters of this tragedy. He has the power and strength to stick to his stance despite all the shortcomings he faced on his way. Creon appears as a strong-headed man who remains faithful to his position, role, and people from start till end.

Conclusion

So, taking a look at character of Creon in Oedipus Rex, it could be said that he is the most attention garbing character who with his determination and strong will did what seemed difficult to others. It was the beauty of his character with which he contributed well in resolving the issue that impacted Thebes badly. So as a whole, keeping the above discussion in mind, it could be concluded that Creon is one of the strong characters of Oedipus who is loyal to his people, honest, kindhearted and forgiving by nature and plays a vital role in the whole story.

Work Cited

Putra, Madha Dwi Aji, and Maria Johana Ari Widayanti. "Victory in Tragic Ending: Analysis of Sophocles’" Oedipus The King"." Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 8.1 (2019): 1-7.

Stephens, Devin A. "The Delphic plague: a study in Athenian oracular rejection as evident in the Oedipus Tyrannus." (2019).