Comparing Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone :: comparison compare contrast essays

Oedipus Guilt, Fate and Punishment Sophocles trilogy of Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone is a powerful, tragic tale that examines the nature of human guilt, fate and punishment. Creon, Oedipus uncle and brother-in-law, is the storys near dynamic character. His character experiences a drastic metamorphosis through the span of the three dramas. Creons vision of a monarchs proper role, his concept of and take note for justice, as substantially as his respect for the design evolve considerably by the trilogys tragic conclusion. In Oedipus the King (OK) , the audience is introduced to a Creon who seems to put loyalty to the king in a higher place all. He sympathizes with the tragic plight of King Oedipus and asserts no apparent ambition himself. His attitude toward the king is one of yielding and fulfilling reverence. Creons vox populi of justice in OK stems directly from the divine. That which the gods have decreed essential be occur law. It pains Creon to have Oedipus exiled, but he must do so as the gods have willed it. Creons respect for divinity and prophecy seems to be his defining trait in OK. His attitude is one of unquestioning reverence. In Oedipus at Colonus (OC), one sees the beginning of Creons decline. Creon has now come to occupy the throne that once belonged to Oedipus. It soon becomes apparent that his vision of the proper role of a king has changed to accommodate his new-found position. The emphasis shifts from that of a king who must rule wisely to one who must rule unyieldingly. The kingship becomes a selfserving instrument for Creon in his attempt to secure the return of Oedipus and the good fortune prophesied to accompany him. Creons notion of justice is severely distorted in OC. He becomes monomaniacal - conducting his affairs with tyranny and belligerence. For example, he threatens to harm Oedipus daughters if the blind beggar does not return to Thebes. His sentiment of rightness and fairness is no longer in line wi th that of his subjects. In OC, Creon still retains some respect for divine prophecies. These have after all propel his desire to return Oedipus to Thebes. Antigone reveals the ultimate extent to which Creons character deteriorates. His transformation completes itself he has become an unreasonable tyrant. Creon can no longer be called a king. He has become a despot.