Explanation:
4.15 Enter the KingLearning TargetsTargets• Analyze the difference between dynamic and static characters.• Examine the character of Creon, including his attitude, actions, and emotions.In this activity, you will continue readingAntigoneand analyze the attitude and emotions of Creon, the king ofThebes.Dynamic and Static CharactersRemember that one of the elements of Greek drama is the use of masks to portray a character’s attitude oremotions. Adynamic charactermay need multiple masks over the course of a performance, while astaticcharactermay not.As You Read• Highlight evidence of Creon’s character traits and how they evolve throughout the events of the scene.PlayAntigonebySophocles[The palace doors are thrown open and guardsappear at the doors]CHORUS LEADER:But here comes Creon, new kingof our land,son of Menoikeos. Thanks to the gods,who’ve brought about our new good fortune.185What plan of action does he have in mind?What’s made him hold this special meeting,with elders summoned by a general call?[Enter Creon from the palace]CREON:Men, after much tossing of our ship ofstate,the gods have safely set things right again.190Of all the citizensI’ve summoned you,because I know how well you showed respectfor the eternal power of the throne,first with Laius and again with Oedipus,once he restored our city. When he died,195you stood by his children, firm in loyalty.Now his sons have perished in a single day,killing each other with their own two hands,a double slaughter, stained with brother’s blood.And so I have the throne, all royal power,200for I’m the one most closely linked by bloodto those who have been killed. It’s impossibleto really know a man, to know his soul,his mind and will, before one witnesseshis skill in governing and making laws.205For me, a man who rules the entire stateand 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—and always will be. And a man who thinks210more highly of a friend than of his country,well, he means nothing to me. Let Zeus know,the god who always watches everything,I would not stay silent if I saw disastermoving here against the citizens,215a threat to their security.For anyonewho acts against the state, its enemy,I’d never make my friend. For I know wellour country is a ship which keeps us safe,and only when it sails its proper course220do we make friends. These are the principlesI’ll use in order to protect our state.That’s why I’ve announced to all citizensmy orders for the sons of Oedipus—Eteocles, who perished in the fight225to save our city, the best and bravestof our spearmen, will have his burial,with all those purifying ritualswhich accompany the noblest corpses,as they move below. As for his brother—230that Polyneices, who returned from exile,eager to wipe out in all-consuming
