Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 4
26 November, 2008
Unscrupulous Leader, Immoral Decision
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, family is a delicate but important institution. Without a strong sense of family one is left to wander the perils of mortal life alone, desperate for a source of comfort. No one should stand between two family members in a time of personal grief. But, unfortunately, that is precisely what Creon did. After the death of Polynices, Creon rashly ordered that his body should not receive a proper burial and should alternatively be left to be eaten by carrion animals. Such spiteful vengeance is disgusting and unbecoming in a leader. Creon's judgement overstepped his bounds and ended the lives of 3 of his loved ones, and because of this he is guilty.
First, let's address the issue of Creon's morality. He claims to be a fair, unbiased ruler, "For me, a man who rules the entire state and does not take the best advice there is, but through fear keeps his mouth forever shut, such a man is the very worst of men." (Sophocles, 202-205). Yet he takes no council and rules from his gut when judging Polynices, "Don’t yield to those who contravene my orders." (251). Such inconsistency and hypocrisy is unacceptable in such a powerful position. If Creon is unable to keep his word, he is unfit to lead.
Next, there is the matter of the effectiveness of Creon's actions. One would assume that he made the controversial ruling because it would better his region, but it had the opposite effect. Antigone, Haemon, and Euridice all committed suicide and the royal family was thrown into ruin. Even Creon's followers admit that these terrible deaths are his fault, "a clear reminder that this evil come not from some stranger, but his own mistakes."(1259-1260). This leaves no excuse for Creon's conduct.
And finally, let us look at Creon's guilt. After the death of his son he renounces his innocence and accepts the fated outcomes of his deeds, "You see us here, all in one family, the killer and the killed. Oh the profanity of what I planned." (1418-1420). Even Creon himself realizes the magnitude of his mistake, so much so that he concedes that he is to blame.
Why should we give this second thought? Creon made an careless decision on shaky moral ground, and by doing so practically wiped out the entire royal family. He is a liar and a murderer, and Creon's despicable judgement is an indicator of what more is to come under his rule. If this jury is of conscious mind, it will make the only right choice: guilty.
Works Cited
1 comment:
You have a great voice as a writer! Well-written and thoughtful argument. One thing--check your MLA citation. Other than that, excellent job!
Post a Comment