Kreon In Sophocles Antigonick

Sophocles’ Antigone has always been a beloved classic, and its tragic conflict between familial duty and both overarching divine laws and legal institutions raises many questions regarding the hubris of mankind. However, cherished as Antigone is, values evolve in conjunction with the passing of time, and as certain turns of phrases and values become obsolete, it is crucial that various translating methods keep these ancient texts relevant. In Antigonick, translated by Anne Carson, throughout the novel, individual words are thrust into the spotlight by various characters (most notably, Kreon), as Carson uses clusters of legal jargon, grandiose made-up diction, and empty spaces to convey the gradual character development of Kreon. Through the
While these words help Carson quickly build up context in the eerie, surrealistic atmosphere of Antigonick, they also serve to characterize Kreon as a man with immature tendencies. As Kreon enters the stage, he instantly declares that “here are Kreon’s verbs for today / Adjudicate / Legislate / Scandalize / Capitalize.” (Carson 6-7) Each verb holds connotations of government power -- these words also introduce the large amount of legal jargon inserted throughout Antigonick. While these words reflect the situation with Antigone, with Kreon as the judge, lawmaker, prosecutor, and beneficiary, it is crucial to note that upon arrival, Kreon assumes that people have been eagerly anticipating his words, their lives solely revolving around him, and he believes that he is imparting profound wisdom on his subjects. As Kreon continues his introductory spiel, stating that “here are Kreon’s nouns / Men reason / Treason / Death / Ship of state / Mine,” the tone of the novel turns ominous and possessive. While Carson quickly foreshadows the death of Antigone, the following usage of Plato’s phrase “ship of state” concisely sums up what Kreon sees himself as -- a philosopher king, well-versed in ideological affairs and ultimately wholeheartedly wiser than his subjects, who cannot be trusted to make decisions. (Plato 6:487d-488e) Afterwards, the Chorus points out that “Mine isn’t a noun”, Kreon retaliates that “it is if you capitalize it.” (Carson 6-7) Immediately juxtaposing the legal jargon of the previous lines, Kreon’s reply seems quite childish in comparison. Kreon’s emerging narcissism also shows itself here -- Carson has Kreon attempt to assert his own grammatical rules on the English language, symbolizing Kreon’s later attempts to set his own