Passage Analysis Essay Example: Antigone (218-219)[d1]
In Haimon’s plea to Creon in Scene III of Antigone, Sophocles conveys one of the play’s central themes: the necessity of flexibility and openness. Overall, this speech uses devices such as repetition, tone and metaphor to illustrate its call for good judgment persuasively.[d2]
In this brief speech, the word “reason” and its variations are repeated seven times to emphasize what “good” reason is, is not, and who is capable of having or losing it. [d3]Reason is described as “God’s crowning gift to man”; “the gift to speak, the soul.” In this way, Haimon displays respect and humility, and reminds Creon to do the same—to remember that reason is “a gift” from the gods, not an inborn right. Haimon also defines reason as the ability “to learn from those who can teach”—that is, to be flexible and open to the wisdom of others. Reason can also be understood by what is not: the belief that one man “alone can be right” because of his instinct, and thus never “yield to reason.” Here, Haimon indirectly, yet clearly admonishes his father for his pride in his own morality and deafness to the sound judgment of others. Further, in relating the City’s description of Antigone’s death sentence as not only “unreasonable”, but “shameful,” he uses more pointed language to condemn his father and illustrate the citizens’ anger at Creon’s narrow minded ruling.
Additionally, by saying that all men can lose their reason and be wrong in their instincts, Haimon drops one last hint that Creon too, can make/has made wrong judgments. In the beginning of his speech, Haimon acknowledges how right Creon is to warn his son against losing his judgment, and closes by maintaining that yes, “we are all too likely to go astray.” By cleverly using “I” and “we” instead of “you,” Haimon avoids directly calling his father foolish, yet still encourages Creon and the audience to redefine, or revise (“re see”), their previous beliefs about reason by including all men capable of being wrong.[d4]
Although he criticizes his father, Haimon is careful to maintain a respectful and caring tone in order to sell Creon—and the audience—his message to be reasonable[d5]. This speech is itself an example of how to be rational and civil, as opposed to reckless and hurtful. For example, Haimon addresses Creon as “Father” in the first word of his speech, a conscious choice to begin his plea by showing honor to the man who gave him life and guidance. He continues this attitude of humility with the line, “I hope that I shall never want to say…that you have reasoned badly.” Here, Haimon takes great pains to show Creon, and the audience, that he is able to speak calmly, even though his bride to be may soon be killed. He also tells Creon, “Nothing is more important to me than your happiness”. Haimon emphasizes his father’s happiness as dependent on listening to the people in order to address Creon’s accusation that his son is only interested in his own, and Antigone’s, well being.
Finally, the nature metaphors of flooding and sailing are particularly effective in conveying the importance of flexibility in times of trouble[d6]. First, Haimon compares Creon to a tree, stating that if it does not bend during a flood, it will be “torn up, roots and all.” With this analogy, he tries to communicate the idea that kings who are willing to give in—that is, give way during a crisis—will survive the crisis. And so, if Creon doesn’t listen to his people, he will lose control of his kingdom, his people, and his family—his “roots” will be destroyed. To strengthen this warning, Haimon also paints the picture of a boat that doesn’t adjust its sails according to the winds, or changes in environment, as in danger of falling “head over heels and under.” In both metaphors, going under water is a symbol of irreparable damage. In this way, when Haimon ends his speech by asking his father to “Let (him)self be moved,” he reinforces the lesson to adjust actions and directions to keep from sinking, that is, to avert disaster before it’s too late. In other words, Creon can either repeal Antigone’s death sentence, or face losing his power as king, the loyalty of his people and of his family, including his son.[d7]
[d1]Even though a conclusion isn’t provided here, you should still include one, however brief.
[d2]Detailed thesis statement that answers the question and sets a plan for the essay
[d3]Topic sentence that ties back to the thesis and supports the first example given in the intro.
[d4]Continuation of first example analysis. You can divide one example into separate paragraphs if there are many related ideas to discuss.
[d5]Topic sentence that ties back to the thesis and supports the second example given in the intro.
[d6]Topic sentence that ties back to the thesis and supports the third example given in the intro.
[d7]Supporting analysis incorporates many brief quotes and explains their significance in specific detail.