Antigone, Part III

“Then she will die, and in death kill another.”

Artwork: Antigone Sentenced to Death by Creon, Giuseppe Diottii (1845)

Haemon, Creon’s son, makes a passionate plea for Antigone’s life. He speaks with respect and humility to his father, recognizing Creon’s authority and wisdom. But he doesn’t hesitate to argue that the law of the land should be tempered with mercy and understanding. He believes that a ruler who listens to the voice of the people and takes counsel is a wise leader. The people of Thebes aren’t happy with Creon’s decree: they find Antigone’s punishment harsh and unjust. Haemon pleads that Creon be compassionate: he even points out that the gods favor burial rites for the dead and that Antigone acted out of duty to her (i.e., their) family and to divine law. But Creon cannot accept his son’s argument. He accuses Haemon of being blinded by love and weak in his judgment. Creon’s resolve to maintain order and the law of the state is unshaken. He dismisses Haemon’s argument, and insists that laws must be upheld to maintain justice and control. Haemon, in his frustration, warns his father that his refusal to listen to reason will bring disaster. He tells Creon that he will no longer be part of a kingdom ruled by unjust authority, and in a fit of anguish, he storms off, leaving his father alone in his inflexibility. If his fiancé dies, we realize Harmon will likely die alongside her. This pivotal exchange highlights the clash between personal loyalty and political duty, and sets the stage for the tragic consequences that will follow. And it ups the stakes for Creon, now at risk of losing his only heir.