The Effect Of Power On The Character Of Kreon
Power has both positive and negative effects on Kreon. Being the Ruler of Thebes in the play Antigone, Kreon is definitely susceptible to the effects of power. Due to his unwarranted confidence, unnecessary pride and arrogance, Kreon uses his power in the wrong way by violating the rights of other people; a major character that leads to his catastrophic fall. Though in most events he abuses the power he has, at some point he realizes his mistakes. Perhaps the best part of power that develops a good character in him is that part when he realizes he has lost; he realizes he has wronged the gods, other people and himself too; he admits of having done wrong, suffers and burns with guilt as shown by his remarks that a sword be brought to him since he is in sorrow (Sophocles & Mann, 2006).
Another strength that power impacts on Kreon is confidence; Kreon becomes a man who believes in himself and this is a very admirable character. He stands by his decisions and takes responsibility of his actions; even after realizing he had done wrong, he accepts responsibility. Kreon is also seen as a very open leader; he avoids extending favors to his own family members. His idea of making sure that the first law he passes when he becomes the king is not forgotten is also admirable.
However, power impacts a lot of negative effects on Kreon’s character. In this play, Kreon becomes the new King of Thebes and as a result, pride fills his heart; the thinks he is the beginning and the ends as far as paramount decisions are concerned. Due to his pride, he believes that any deviation from his wish is an intimidation and for this reason, he will not allow anyone from changing his mind. Power makes him self-centered and proud to the extent that other people’s opinions do not matter anymore (Thury & Devinney, 2005). Example of an incident that shows this character is the part when Kreon asks in doubt if his son Haimon, who was already engaged to marry Antigone, whether he still loves his dad. Kreon also refuses to take advice from his son; despite his son talking to him in a humble and respectful manner when advising him that he had made a wrong decision to have Antigone executed, Kreon overreacts and makes the already deplorable situation even worse.
Power makes Kreon incredibly unfair and unjust to his son and other people; he becomes so proud to listen to someone who is younger compared to him; since his son is younger, he does not listen to his advice; instead, he believes that his son has insulted him and for this reason he orders that Antigone be killed in front of his son’s eyes; in this case, he portrays a vengeful character. Being a king, Kreon does not take lightly the claim that was said by his own son that if Antigone was forcefully murdered under the instruction of his father, more people would die
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