Creon in Oedipus the King

Creon in Oedipus the King

In this paper I will be making 3 major points about Creon. First I will explain the role Creon plays in this drama. Next I will explain some of the values Creon represents in this story. And for the last I will be examining how essential Creon is to the way this situation plays itself out.

Other than the obvious roles Creon plays in this story (Jocasta's brother and Oedipus' brother-in-law), Creon plays a very big role and is a part of the most significant points in this drama.

In the beginning of the story Creon visits the oracle at Delphi to find out what the curse on Thebes is being caused by. Upon his arrival to Thebes he informs Oedipus of what the oracle said:

"Drive the corruption from the land, don't harbor it any longer, past all cure, don't nurse it in your soil - root it out!" (164).

This means that the murder of Laius set a plague on the city. By being the one to go to the oracle, Creon puts himself in the position of having to help Oedipus get to the root of the problem. At this point Oedipus and Creon are okay. There aren't any problems between the two of them. However, as the story goes on, that changes.

Creon convinces Oedipus to call upon the prophet Lord Tiresias. He knows everything there is to know and Creon knew that he would be able to help figure out who murdered Laius. Oedipus hears what Lord Tiresias has to say about the matter and he does not like it at all. Oedipus thinks that Creon "put the prophet up to spreading lies" (188). This puts Creon in a very sticky situation with Oedipus.

Oedipus loses all trust for Creon and thinks that he is plotting to kill him and steal the thrown. This, however, is not true at all. Creon even says that he would rather not be king. He is equal in all decision making with Oedipus and Jocasta. So why would he want the extra hassle of actually having to be the king. Oedipus doesn't listen and wants to have Creon banished or killed.

Shortly thereafter Oedipus learns the truth. He gouges out his very own eyes when he sees that Jocasta killed herself. At this point his attitude towards Creon changes and he requests his presence. Creon automatically assumes the role as king. Oedipus tries to convince Creon to put him into exile, but Creon feels that he should check with the gods first. The right thing to do turns out to be banishment for Oedipus. So by being a better person, Creon allows Oedipus to say goodbye to his children.

So throughout this story Creon's role changes significantly.