Creon’s Antigone uses the term “alliances spears” to refer to the required allegiance society must show to its ruler. In his initial thoughts, he believes that his authority must be proved absolute. He then attempts to prevent the proper burial of an enemy. Creon then crosses over his bounds into the realms of physis by trying to prohibit the proper burial of an enemy. Creon’s “alliance with spears” takes on a new meaning when he is in a more enlightened place.
Understanding the problems in Antigone is possible only if you are aware of the circumstances in which Creon has been placed in that position. Creon is a contestable birthright heir and has only limited leadership experience. Creon is a fragile leader who is conscious of his image. To his chorus, he says: “No man’s mind can be fully understood, in character, judgment until he rules, and then he makes law. Only then can he be examined in public eye.” Creon made hasty but needed to enforce his decision to prohibit honorable burial of Polyneices. Any retraction would show weakness and indecision. To demonstrate his power over Thebes Creon is supporting a hard-lined, tyrannical style of politics. Creon stepped outside the realm of human law he was allowed to govern and entered the realm of natural law, which is governed only by the gods. Thebes seems to have both natural and human law, although some people continue to question this distinction. This is evident in Antigone’s initial conversation with Ismene. Ismene tried to dissuade Antigone of defying Creon’s decree but failed. We are submissive to them because we’re stronger, so we must obey these orders even if they hurt us more.” Ismene says that Antigone is an example of the typical citizen who will grudgingly comply with the wishes of a dictator. Antigone, on one hand, is conscious of the “deep shame, dishonor” she was left by her parents; she feels she has nothing to lose and is willing to challenge the law.
Although it seems that Antigone and Creon are at the center of the drama, Creon’s intervention in Polyneices’ burial puts him in direct conflict against the unwritten law. Creon and his position regarding the limits of his political power are the real main conflicts in the play. Antigone represents a voice that speaks for righteousness and refuses to be bound by Creon’s inexcusable proclamation. Antigone is the unconscious or suppressed opinions of Thebes citizens. Antigone is seen as a repressed person because she is a woman living in a patriarchal society.
Creon may have the right to make demands, but he is limited in his ability to influence human behavior. One example is in the realm of general social opinion. Creon can not require citizens to give their opinions in dictatorships such as Thebes. Creon’s “alliance” is effective as long the members follow one another’s will. It is evident that there is a common social opinion, despite this obstacle. The Watchman’s statement, “No one love the man who brings the bad news,” is an example that supports the idea of social opinions being independent from political control. Creon may inform citizens that they have to respect messengers who bring bad news but cannot force them to adhere to natural law.
Creon’s command that no one should honor Polyneices’s death does the same. An immoral leader trying to control who can go to the next world is doing the work of a god. Antigone admits this infraction against “what God holds dear”, but she argues that Zeus’ announcements did not reach her and that Creon was not given the power to “trample the gods’ unfailing, unsworn laws.”
Antigone attempts to convince Creon that other people agree with her opinions, but Creon sees her insubordination a deviation from the fragile “alliances of spears” that he has built from Thebes citizens. Antigone’s statements make him feel uneasy and he is worried about her proximity to the “household shrine in Zeus”. Creon is aware that Antigone’s dissension could lead to the “alliance”, so he sentenced Antigone to death. The claim is supported by the majority of the public. Haemon declares that “the whole city is grieving about [Antigone]” while Haemon wonders, “Hasn’t glory bright as gold she earned?” Creon’s certainty is shaken however he does not seem to be affected. Haemon hears him tell Haemon that “a city belongs its master.” Isn’t this the rule?
Creon realizes the consequences of his dominance over the natural realm only after his discussion. But being firm invites disaster!” Creon asks for the advice of the chorus, but it is too late.
Creon sees the “alliance among spears as a new concept.” The “alliance of spears” was once a metaphor that represented society’s allegiances to their ruler. Now, Creon recognizes that the alliance cannot always be managed within the limits of general social consensus. The ‘alliance’ can be seen as an independent entity. It has the strength to withstand any tyrant. Creon was the one who imposed natural law restrictions, while Antigone had enough courage to respond to the latent social consensus Creon had broken.
