Question
According to Haemon, how do the Thebans feel about Antigone’s actions and punishment? Why does Creon not know their opinion himself? Cite specific evidence from the text in your answer.
Answers
GPT 3.5
Haemon reveals to Creon that the Thebans sympathize with Antigone and do not agree with her punishment. He explains that the people are talking about Antigone openly in the streets and expressing their disapproval of Creon's decision. Haemon says, "The whole of Thebes is talking of this girl's fate. They say she is innocent, that her dead brother deserves a proper burial, and that this is how she deserves to be repaid for her own human devotion" (Sophocles, Antigone, lines 705-708).
Creon is unaware of the Thebans' sentiments because he is isolated from the public and does not engage with them directly. Haemon points out Creon's lack of connection with the people by saying, "You must learn of the ways of living with royal power. They cut you off from every friend except the friend who obeys" (Sophocles, Antigone, lines 794-796). This suggests that Creon's position as a ruler has distanced him from the general population, making him ignorant of their opinions and feelings.
Creon is unaware of the Thebans' sentiments because he is isolated from the public and does not engage with them directly. Haemon points out Creon's lack of connection with the people by saying, "You must learn of the ways of living with royal power. They cut you off from every friend except the friend who obeys" (Sophocles, Antigone, lines 794-796). This suggests that Creon's position as a ruler has distanced him from the general population, making him ignorant of their opinions and feelings.