Oedipus and Creon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Oedipus and Creon - Essay ExampleThe swan Oedipus has for Creon is obvious from the first prison term he is mentioned. Oedipus explains, I have sent Menoikeus son, Creon, my own wifes brother, forth alone To Apollos House in Delphi (Sophocles 6). The urban center is in despair and the oracle is Oedipuss last hope, so he sends his to the highest degree avowed companion on this important journey. Oedipuss faith in him is obvious, and Creon re onlyy seems to warrant this trust. His sensitivity to Oedipus is apparent when he says, Shall I let loose now, with all these pressing close, Or pass within (Sophocles 7). Creon tact plenteousy states he would not openly transport anything that Oedipus would prefer to remain private. As Creon relates the news hes heard from the oracle, Oedipus hangs on every word, questions him about the particulars, and generally believes the story. At the scenes end, he has accepted everything Creon has told him, and announces his intent to act upon this n ews, saying, It falls on me then. I will search and bear This darkness (Sophocles 10). On Creons advice, he also summons the seer, Teiresias, for further instructions. There is no doubt of the trust that exists in their relationship.Once Teiresias enters the picture, things begin to change. Threatened by the accusation, Oedipus grows paranoid and his relationship with Creon grows strained. The news is so unnameable and amazing that Oedipus cannot believe it. Its easier to suspect foul play, and his suspicions fall immediately on the man who stands to gain the most from his downfall. He asks Teiresias, Ha Creon--Is it his or thine, this plot (Sophocles 23) and refuses to believe it when the seer insists it is not a plot at all. For this crown Creon the stern and full-strength, Creon mine own Comrade, comes creeping in the dark to ban And slay me (Sophocles 23), Oedipus insists. He insults Creon, calling him, assassin (Sophocles 30) and robber of my crown (Sophocles 30) as well as a coward, a snake, and an idiot. Creon defends himself against paradoxical charges, leading to a long argument. Eventually, even his patience wears out, and he tells Oedipus, I see thou wilting not think (Sophocles 35). The disagreement degenerates into name-calling Oedipus will not see reason and Creon will not accord to something he has not done.Only late in the play, when the shepherds have produced the evidence that convinces Oedipus of his crimes, does he realize that he has wronged his brother-in-law. Jocasta is dead, Oedipus has put out his own eyes, and Creon has returned, Not to crap laughter, Oedipus, nor cast Against thee any evil of the past (Sophocles 81). This is true compassion on Creons part. Not only has he been wronged, but he has learned that Oedipus is the cause of all the turmoil in Thebes, including his sisters death, and still he is kind. Even Oedipus doubts that Creon can deal kindly with him, saying, How make him trust me more He hath seen of late So vile a heart in me, so full of hate (Sophocles 81). Showing the same sensitivity as earlier in the play, when he asked whether he should make a public announcement of his findings, he offers Oedipus privacy, saying, Quick within Guide him. -- The ills that in a suffer have been They of the house alone should know or hear (Sophocles 81). Creons compassion is further demonstrated when Antigone and Ismene enter, and Oedipus shows his gratitude, saying, Creon of his pity Hath brought my two, my dearest, to this