Analysis Of Sophocles Antigone, Creon, The King Of Thebes

Stalonacles â€Å"Your temper terrifies them† (Sophocles 222). In Sophocles’ tragedy â€Å"Antigone†, Creon, the obstinate king of Thebes, embodies the stereotypical monarch. Ancient Athens, where Sophocles called home, used plays to educate their audience and persuade them to think a certain way; thus, Sophocles wrote of the struggle between Creon, and his son, Haimon, from the perspective of a member if a democratic government. Sophocles sought to influence his audiences political beliefs by creating the character Creon, the King of Thebes’, whose power hunger and temper makes monarchies appear absurd; however, strengthening stereotypes as a political weapon did not cease in Ancient Greece. In the past century, American screenwriters have†¦show more content†¦In the movie, Drago punches his American opponent, a friend of Rocky’s, to the brink of death. As the boxer dies in Rocky s arms, Drago mutters, â€Å"If he dies, he dies† (Stallone). Stallone s decision to make the Russian boxer unremorseful after killing a man shows his intent on portraying Russians as ruthless killers. In the end, our hero Rocky knocks out Drago in retaliation. Some critics have even gone so far as to suggest that Rocky and Drago’s fight is symbolic of democracy’s superiority over communism (Vereykina). Nevertheless, Stallone sought to change Russia s image in the eyes of Americans through Drago’s lack of compassion in Rocky IV, just as American writers use media to influence their audiences by demonizing Russia. Not only are negative stereotypes perpetuated through â€Å"Antigone† and American media, but democracy is endorsed. In Antigone, Sophocles creates the character Haimon, Creon’s son to express the superiority of democracy over monarchies. After Creon sentences Antigone to death, Haimon approaches him and attempts to persuade him to repeal his decree. Their argument becomes a battle between conflicting political ideologies. Creon says, â€Å"My voice is the one voice giving orders in this City!† (Sophocles 220). Haimon replies, â€Å"It is no City if it takes orders from one voice† (221). Haimon challenges Creon’s belief that a monarchy should be ruled according toShow MoreRelatedJustification of Creon in Antigone by Sophocles Essay994 Words   |  4 PagesJustification of Creon in Antigone by Sophocles Antigone is a tragic play written by Sophocles in about 441b.c. The play is a continuation of the curse put upon the household of Oedipus Rex. Sophocles actually wrote this play before he wrote Oedipus, but it follows Oedipus in chronological order. The story of Antigone begins after the departure of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, into self-exile. Oedipus’ two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, were left to rule over Thebes. An argument over rightsRead MoreSophocles The King And Antigone Essay1566 Words   |  7 Pages Sophocles wrote about kings. 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