Antigone Challenges Social Order (p.94) CR2

In this passage Creon reveals much more than why he is threatened by Antigone’s defiance. Just prior to the specified text Creon assumes that he must be harsh on his niece Antigone so as to maintain order and respect as the new king. But in doing so he also exposes his fear of losing power as an extremely intolerant and selfish ruler. He personifies Anarchy as a symbolic form of Antigone, giving Anarchy a female character by referring to it as “she” (p.94, ln 753). This is convenient because her name is similar in sound and may even translate to “against family.” Ironically, she defends Polynices’ honor (her brother) when no one else has the courage; and as a woman, she is the traditional symbol of support in the household, maintaining order in the family and giving life to newborns.

Considering the instability of the city during wartime and the recent turmoil in family affairs, Creon is understandably concerned for his own welfare. This is why he claims Anarchy is the greatest crime, feeling as if it is a direct attack on his new assumption of power that he is earnest to keep. This leads to his taking offense to Antigone’s rebellion to his decree—thereby causing him to see her as the antagonist to his royal order, or more importantly, the laws of civilization and social hierarchy. To highlight this, Creon denounces Antigone and Anarchy alike, claiming “‘she destroys cities’ and ‘rips up houses”’ (p.94, ln 753). In other words, Antigone disrupts the status quo and foundations of civilization and the household by going against her king and uncle. Whereas most women of the era accept their lower rank in the social ladder, including Ismene, Antigone does the exact opposite—she resists and may even topple the organization of society’s “ranks of spearman” (p.94, ln 754) that subjugate women. She heroically separates herself from those that submit to oppressive authority. Finally, Creon’s domineering tone displays his obsession with discipline and law. He shows extreme prejudice in asking that they “never be rated inferior to a woman” (p.94, ln 760) because Antigone threatens his power as a man and king and he fears he may lose that power.