In the plays Oedipus of Rex and Antigone by Sophocles, Oedipus and Creon exert
similar characteristics as leaders that ultimately result in their
characterization as tragic heroes. Their overbearing determination, relentless
pride, uncontrollable fate, and enormous grievances all portray the inevitable
outcome. Sophocles writes that the characters in the plays are chasten not
because of something they had done in the past but merely it is their fate.
Oedipus and Creon can not stop their fate no matter what great lengths they go
to. Revealing that catharsis is created when the audience has pity or fear when
they see that bad things can happen to good people. For this purpose, neither
Oedipus nor Creon where good leaders because both were hypocritical tragic
heroes. Initially, both Oedipus and Creon exert an overbearing determination
that can be the tragic flaw that destroys their lives. However, both have
contrasting motives. Oedipus was determined to find the killer of King Laius
saying, "As for the criminal, I pray to God- whether it be a lurking thief,
or one of a number- I pray that that man's life be consumed in evil and
wretchedness and as for me this curse applies no less…" (World Lit 316).
Creon' s motive of determination was not to back down from his word and law. The
law was whoever buries Polyneices would be publicly stoned to death, since
Polyneices didn't deserve a proper burial for his actions in war. Creon later
finds out that Antigone has buried her brother and Creon replies " She has
much to learn. The inflexible heart breaks first, the toughest iron cracks
first, and the wildest horses bend their neck at the pull of the smallest
curb…Breaking the law and boasting of it. Who is the man here she or I, if
this crime goes unpunished?" (Western Literature 692) Neither Oedipus nor
Creon wants to show that they are weak leaders so they ironically empower their
tragic flaws with what they think is right. In addition to their overbearing
determination, both Oedipus and Creon show relentless pride that fulfills their
fates. Oedipus' pride doesn't allow him to see that he is the killer that he is
looking for, and consequently gouges out his eyes because he was so dishonored
by his unwillingness to stop looking for the killer. He banishes himself, even
though blind, so not to embarrass himself anymore. On the other hand, Creon's
pride causes him to have a fight with his son Haimon about Antigone's
punishment. The fight was never intended, but when Haimon suggested how Creon
should rule by what he thought was right and by what he had heard on the streets
Creon's pride couldn't take it. Creon was so absorbed in himself, he questions
how could he take advice from a prince when he gloats in his own wisdom. As
leaders Oedipus and Creon let their pride take over good judgement and allow
fate to play a role. Equally important, is that neither Oedipus nor Creon could
control their fate. Oedipus even went to great lengths not to let fate be
carried out. Oedipus moves away from home and refuses to see or speak to his
parents even though this causes both of them much pain. Oedipus knew that he
would kill his father and sleep with is mother and he takes many precautions but
they were only in vein. Oedipus finds out that he was adopted and had killed his
father Laius and unknowingly slept with his mother Jocasta. Parallel to this was
the fact that Creon would lose his son to his pride and also lose Antigone, even
though he later decided to set her free. He now has to live with his decision
and the fact that he was wrong. The fate that controls the lives of Oedipus and
Creon shows that bad things can happen to good people whether or not they
deserved it and that fate controls everyone even kings. Simultaneously, both
Oedipus and Creon end with grievances beyond comprehension. Oedipus's grievance
is that his own law exiles him and that he looses his children. Oedipus shows
his remorse to his children when he says "Children: I could say much, if
you could understand me, but as it is, I have only this prayer for you: Live
where you can be happier, please God, than God has made your father!"
(World Lit. 366). Likewise, Creon looses his son Haimon. He also looses his wife
because his wife lost her child as well and couldn't live with out him and so
she kills herself. Creon's reply is "Oh pity! All true, all true, and more
than I can bear! Oh my wife my son!… It is right that it should be. I alone am
guilty. I know it and say it. Lead me in quickly, friends. I have neither life
nor substance. Lead me in." (Western Literature 711) The humanity is now
showing through Oedipus and Creon and as leaders they both realize now what they
have done and how they want to take everything back, but they can't. Therefore
they live in their misery. Such catharsis that pours from the audience is
unbearable. In brief, the actions and words of Oedipus and Creon can account for
their poor leadership, but fate played the upper hand. Fate did not allow for
Oedipus or Creon to rule long enough to have the experience to be considered
wise, noble leaders who could face any situation.