Essay Questions

Why does Kreon create an edict regarding burying Polyneikes?

Polyneikes has attempted to overthrow his brother Eteokles--the King of Thebes before Kreon--because they were meant to rule in alternating years and Eteokles will not give up the throne. The brothers kill one another and Eteokles is given a royal burial while Polyneikes' body lies to rot. Kreon issued an edict that no one shall bury his body as he is a traitor to Thebes. Kreon's done this because he wants to restore order to Thebes and be the sole commander of its people. He believes that leaving Polyneikes' body in the dirt to rot will strike fear into the people to prevent them from attempting any similar uprising against his power.

How and why does Haemon die?

Haemon is the son of Kreon the King of Thebes. And is is engaged to be wed to Antigonick. Haemon finds out that Kreon has sentenced Antigonick to death for attempting to bury her brother, and he tries to stop his father from doing so but he won't recall his edict. Haemon then goes after Antigonick in the tomb where she is buried alive to find she has hung herself. He then takes his own life in front of his father as Antigonick was his love and he would not live without her.

Why does Kreon sentence Antigonick to death?

Antigonick has attempted to bury her slain brothers body. Kreon has issued an edict that no one shall bury his body in order that he can regain control of the city and set it in order. The punishment for doing so is death. Kreon gives Antigonick the chance to live by telling her to never do it again, but she will not and he sentences her to death.