Friday, December 30, 2011

In Antigone, how does Creon act unwise? How does Antigone act wise?

In Antigone, Creon acts unwisely by refusing to heed the advice of others who try to counsel him.  For example, the blind prophet Teiresias tries to tell Creon that the people of Thebes stand behind Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices and that they feel sympathy for her situation.  Teiresias is known throughout Thebes as a voice of truth, yet Creon does not listen to him.  Instead, Creon insults Teiresias by assuming that he has been bribed to take Antigone's side in the matter. 


On the other hand, Antigone acts wisely by not allowing the baseless threats of others influence her decision to do what she believes is morally the right thing to do.  Ismene disagrees with her sister about the burial of Polyneices and tells Antigone that she will suffer terrible consequences as a result of her decision.  However, Ismene speaks out of fear and a false sense of loyalty to Creon, so Antigone is wise to disregard Ismene's words.

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