Donna Peters                                                                                      October 31, 2014

Professor Rachel Corona                                                                     

English 102

Reading Response to the drama “Anigone page 1-10 (line 1 to 725)”

Question:

1)      Describe Creon’s character and the way he is portrayed in the story. What kind of leader does he sounds like at the outset of the play? What would you consider his flaws? How do you know these are his flaws?

Cleon was a notorious self-centered, autocratic king who obviously utilized the death /murder of the prospective heir to the throne. At the outset of the drama he portrayed a character of a king that really cares for the people of Thebes who was truly in favored of Eteocles. Ultimately, he proved otherwise and that he was just an opportunist who put on a façade to gain the heart of the Thebans for his own glory and fame.    

            The character Cleon, from start to finish was quite intriguing. At the outset of the drama, Cleon portraits a character of a king with unpolluted interest for the Thebans. His pretentious behavior disguised the self-centered person with one who appeared genuine with an objective to protect and care for the people like their former leaders. Cleon saw an opportunity to utilize the death of the two heirs to the throne to execute his plans for selfish gain, and that he did. I was truly impressive with his web of deception. His action was practically less than flawless. He really behaved nonsensical and demonstrated nothing less than a true king of justice. In line 82 and 203-205 he said “I choose you out of all...” and assured them “If I saw ruin, not safety, on the way towards my fellow citizens, I would not count any enemy of my country friend.” All of this was just a façade which was eventually, exhibited by demonizing Poliyneise as evil in support of his ungodly deeds and with the objective of gaining the hearts of the people, who was obviously in favor of Eteocles.(Eteocles was not a saint but Poliyneise took the wrong approached in search of kingship. As a result he lost favor with the people for the crown.)  Cleon then became king after their death and his plan was executed. He was eventually dreaded by all. All except for Antigone and Ismene who choose not to obey his rules and regulations.

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