Thuy Anh's essay

To what extent has Creon been insulted by his own son? How did Haemon provoke Creon?

The pages 93 to 99 of Antigone, a play written by Sophocles, carry varying techniques in which they build up tension between the relationship of Creon and Haemon. Specifically is the use of language and diction being the major emphasis in provoking Creon’s ego that perhaps leads him to a peak of anger. His “I” is too big that it blinds him from justice, drives him to decide to punish his own son to save his image of being a King.

As under Greek era, a child’s social expectations regarding behaviour, thoughts, tone in talking,… must be followed by rules that show extreme respect towards parents. However, Haemon, the king’s son, is the one who has negative attitudes aiming at his father. This truth represents a significant breakout in which a character such as Haemon, who is apart of the royal family therefore must be highly aware of his action, decides to be rebellious, standing against his father. Sophocles explores the use of informal language to support this idea, in which Haemon pronounces, in front of Creon and The Chorus, that there is no one in Thebes who would ever say anything displeasing to Creon’s face. The sense of “in the face” sounds like a scold that Haemon strikes down on Creon, spoken by a person who is in a higher position than the other, telling Creon what he does is wrong, in which at this point, Haemon looks down at Creon and that he hints that his respect for Creon is no longer available. Furthermore, the use of direct language also works as a factor that provokes Creon’s ego, especially Haemon’s insulting words: “self-minded”, “self-involved”, “empty” and “insane”. The pair of adjectives “self-minded” and “self-involved” clearly construct who Creon really is, always puts himself first upon everything, always does things that benefit himself only. Also, the word “empty” is very significant as a king is expected to have qualities regarding being wise, considerable whereas Creon is completely contrasting. “Empty” suggests shallowness and perhaps immaturity that Creon holds. Significantly is the word “insane”, insane is usually referred to people who suffer from mental illness or people who are not able to control their behaviour, which causes madness. Haemon directly says this to Creon, seemingly reveals a discourteous attitude towards Creon, insulting him deeply. Haemon’s choice of words as well as his tone while speaking is very significant towards the idea of going against the laws, showing no manor towards Creon, making him lose face in front of The Chorus. As a result, Creon, being offended, decides to punish his own son for being disrespectful and also for being on the “wrong” side. “you, you will pay, taunting and insulting me.” Rather than punishing Haemon for following the “injustice” (according to Creon), Creon bases Haemon’s crime entirely on his contemptuous attitude towards Creon, especially based on the fact that Haemon dares to insult Creon in public. This is referred back to how Creon sets his pride and reputation as a priority, no matter what, he has to withhold his image. Also, Creon has a high demand and require of respect from others towards him, in this way he can gain power in controlling Thebes and its people.

Not only Sophocles has used language and diction to abuse Creon, but also by pinpointing his weakensses, Sophocles has created a climax in Haemon’s insult towards Creon, further reflecting on family tension within the play. It is clear and certain that Creon pays specific care for his power and his reputation, Haemon directly makes him seem powerless and unworthy to be respected. He also pronounces “the whole Thebes denies it, to a man.” This phrase implies two different ideas in which “the whole Thebes denies it” significantly lowers his power down, to an extent that his own city is raising against him and that he is not able to control. The second part that also hits his “I” is “to a man”. Here, Haemon devalues Creon by comparing him with a man, seemingly suggest that Creon is no king, but rather an ordinary man who has no authority whatsoever. Creon definitely finds Haemon’s impertinent words extremely insulting that his pride is wounded. Further more, Haemon keeps striking down on Creon by continuing touching on his weakensses. Creon has always been suspecting a ‘dark side’ where people talk about him behind his back. Haemon directly proves his suspicion right by saying:” the rumours spread in secret, darkly”. Once again, Creon’s pride is hurt when he now knows his people are not loyal to him, making him seem weak and debilitating.

It is extremely forceful that Sophocles has chosen Haemon to be the only man in the whole of Thebes to stand up against Creon. It is also very significant due to the fact that what Haemon does is completely contrasting towards the intense children idealistic of being obedient and respectful towards parents under the Greek era. However, Haemon’s bravery is similar to nowadays’ society where the rules are not as strict and that children perhaps have a say within the family, but it would also be daring to say such insulting words towards parents.

Sophocles has set up an argument between Haemon and Creon to reflect Creon’s corruption as well as the extreme social expectations at that period of time. By successfully using language and diction to create dramatic irony and family tension, therefore build up a surprise towards the audience.