Star-crossed Love and Foolish Pride
from Antigone by Sophocles
by Amy Gonzalez
Star-crossed Lovers: Antigone and Haimon
"...in the cavern's farthest corner we saw her lying: She had made a noose of her fine linen veil and hanged herself. Haimon lay beside her, his arms about her waist, lamenting her...crying out that his father had stolen her away from him" (Sophocles 653). Picture: ("Antigone")
This quote is significant to the play because it shows how Haimon and Antigone are star-crossed lovers and are never meant to be. It also shows how Creon's pride, in thinking he could defy the gods by not burying Polyneices, was misguided. This is just the beginning of everything Creon loses because of his hubris.
Supporting Image: "Hidden Love"
The girl is like Antigone because her image (spirit) is with the boy, but her alive, physical self is gone. The boy is like Haimon because he is mourning her loss and wishing she were alive instead of a beautiful, colorful memory.
Supporting Song: "Varud" by Sigur Ros
Creon: The Fool
"No pride on earth is free of the curse of heaven" (Sophocles 657).
This quote is significant because it foreshadows the ending of the play. Creon is too proud and insecure to go back on his decree that Polyneices not be buried, and because of this, he is cursed by the gods and pays the ultimate price through the loss of his son, wife, and niece.
Supporting Image: "The Fall of Icarus"
Creon is like Icarus--he fails to listen to Antigone, the citizens of Thebes and Tiresias's prophecy, and regrets his decision to not bury Polyneices only when it is too late. His fall from power is just as great as Icarus's. He could have had a smooth flight as king, if only he hadn't been too proud to listen to those around him.