Incest taboo and its implications on morality in Ancient Thebes:

Analysis of Creon’s Perspective

Sophocles’ “Antigone” explains a lot of complexities of moral dilemmas of ancient Thebes.

Incest taboo is one of them. By examining the perspectives of Creon, the king of Thebes on

incest taboo and its impications on morality in ancient Thebes we reflect on the consequences of

him and the inhabitants of Thebes. Sophocles’ “Antigone'' is a great example for developing

justice, law, ethics and morality. Creon's actions provide a filter through which it gets easier to

analyze the complexities of morality in human civilization” (Sophocles, 2005).

In Sophocles’ “Antigone”, Creon, the king of Thebes makes an order banning the cremation of

Polynices which raises a great ethical problem. This event is essential because Polynices is

Antigones’ brother and it affects family patterns. Creons’ decision to ban the burial is deeply

connected to incest taboo, showing the commitment to social norms in ancient Thebes. Incest

taboo, which bans sexual relations with close relatives works as a reason behind Creons’

decision. This defines the moral and ethical pillars of the society. This ethical question or

dilemma is a serious issue covering societal norms and results of their disobedience.

Sophocles’ “Antigone” displays Creon’s loyalty towards incest taboo. It goes with the values of

ancient Thebes. Opposition of state laws are seen as the threat to social stability by Creon. Social

norms and values are more important to Creon than relations. He believes Polynice's burial
would set a bad example of the consequence of state law and no one will abide by the rules of the

state. His devotion to incest taboo shows both his views and dedication to maintain social order.

When Antigone goes against Creon's decision and decides to bury his brother things get more

complex. Creons great devotion towards incest taboo became a big problem. This conflict

becomes an issue between if Antigone's chosen path is best for her family and if Creon's

decision is best to maintain societal peace. This clash between personal belief and state law

becomes the starting point for a tragic turn of the events. “Creon's stand for incest taboo brings a

personal tragedy in Antigone” (Sophocles, 2005). Though Creon's son Haemon was the fiance of

Antigone, Creon refused to annul his order. Haemon was unable to accept this arrogance of his

father as a result he took his own life. This strong position of Creon isolated him. His decision

resulted in his son's death. These events illustrate the consequences of adherence towards rigid

ethical decisions.

The inhabitants of Thebes are forced to face the brutal consequences of Creons commitment

towards incest taboo. Due to Creon's refusal to annul his order the city witnessed tragic events

with great sorrow. “Creon's view in Antigone is an important review of human ethics as it

highlights the dangers of strict rules and the consequences of putting them ahead” (Sophocles,

2005). His solid commitment to incest taboo shows the risks of unnecessary strictness. This

demonstrates how refusing to understand the variety of ethics may result in chaos. This shows

that balance between personal beliefs and governmental rule is very important. Creon's downfall

shows the need for leaders and society's understanding must be balanced.
In Sophocles’s Antigone the complex connection between personal beliefs and societal

expectations highlight the conflict between ethics of the people of Thebes and personal belief.

This highlights the difficulties of personal ethics and wider cultural conventions. Creon's loyalty

towards incest taboo shows the disagreement of personal beliefs and societal demands. Creons

adherence to incest taboo shows the socieatal expectations of ancient Thebes. Antigone's step to

bury Polynices shows familial duty and respect for the dead. Although a dead body is considered

as an object, it has rights and burial is one of them. Creon's ban on this right shows the conflict

of personal and communal belief. In “Antigone” Antigone introduces divine law which was

prioritized by her over Creon's order. Creon failed to recognize its importance. “Antigone”

explores the clash of personal beliefs and state laws. It also signifies the burial right of a dead

body and the consequences of reckless leadership. This ensures a deeper understanding of ethical

dilemmas across various contexts. “L. Pojman & J. Fischer, questions whether personal beliefs

and governmental rules go in the same direction” (Pojman & Fieser, 2011). Plato, in his

dialogues explores ethical concepts. In dialogues like, “The Republic '', “Laws” Plato explores

broader ethical and political issues. “Plato discusses the “Guardians” who are responsible for

maintaining moral and political order” (Plato, 2008).

In conclusion, Sophocles “Antigone” serves as an exploration of morality, governance and the

conflict of individual beliefs and social norms. Creons devotion to incest taboo is a way through

which we constitution of human ethics. It's a balance between morality and adherence to

governmental laws. Creon's tragic fate is an example of arrogant leadership. Its exploration of

humility, significance of burial rights and the importance of divine laws plays an important role.
References

Plato. (2008). The Republic (B. Jowett, Trans.). [Link] Publishing.

Pojman, L. P., & Fieser, J. (2011). Cengage Advantage Books: Ethics: Discovering Right

and Wrong. Cengage Learning.

Sophocles. (2005). Antigone. Prestwick House, Incorporated.

Sophocles. (2005). Antigone. Prestwick House, Incorporated.

Sophocles. (2005). Antigone. Prestwick House, Incorporated.