Discussion Topic

The attitudes of Creon and the Chorus towards each other and Antigone in the play "Antigone"

Summary:

Creon displays a stubborn and authoritarian attitude toward both Antigone and the Chorus, insisting on strict adherence to his laws. The Chorus, initially supportive of Creon, gradually questions his decisions as the consequences unfold. Antigone remains defiant against Creon’s edicts, driven by her moral duty to honor her brother, which ultimately leads to her tragic fate.

Expert Answers

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What is Creon's attitude toward the chorus in Antigone?

Creon interacts with the Chorus as he does to other characters. considering what they say & responding in kind. Yet he retains his unbending will in the face of the Chorus' arguments, refusing to relent even when the Theban elders (who comprise the chorus) plead with him for mercy in Antigone's case.

The Chorus represents the voice of society. Their odes often reflect a greater picture, a morality beyond the events in the city of Thebes. They can speak their mind to the king, and tell Creon if he is acting in direct contrast to the laws of the gods. This they do, and point out possible consequences of Creon's actions. Yet Creon refuses to back down, instead insulting the Chorus (and the population of Thebes by association). His attitude shows that he feels he is above all reproach and laws, except his own. The fact that he is willing to ignore the advice of the Theban elders exposes his lack of respect for all opinions, excluding his own. It is this trait which causes his ultimate downfall.

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What is the Chorus's attitude towards Creon and Antigone by the end of Antigone?

At the end of Antigone the Chorus, being all males, focuses mainly on Creon, the male tragic hero and not Antigone.  Antigone's name is not uttered again after she is carried off by the guards.  Ironically, before her death, the Chorus had supported Creon in his decision to punish Antigone using martial law.

The role of the Chorus is that of the typical male Theban citizen in that they fear disobedience to the tyrant king and choose loyalty to the law above duty to the gods.  As such, they share some of the blame in the death of Antigone, but they do not lament her death as much as Creon.

The Chorus is quick to tell Creon the error of his ways:

Pray thou no more; for mortals have no escape from destined woe.

And the Chorus adds an exemplum to the end of the play:

Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness; and reverence towards the gods must be inviolate. Great words of prideful men are ever punished with great blows, and, in old age, teach the chastened to be wise.

But, the Chorus does not seem to penitent in Antigone's death, and they do not duly suffer for it like Creon.  So says Enotes:

One of the choral passages in the play is called the "Ode to Man," which glorifies humankind's accomplishments but warns against ignoring the gods. The Chorus, however, supports Creon's decisions until it becomes evident that his rule has resulted in tragedy. Creon reminds the Chorus that they too signed Antigone's death warrant by supporting his policies.

Their odes come too little too late, and they seem self-righteous and condescending.  Only Antigone chose to honor the gods through actions and not words.

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