1. Fear (Phobos):
- Ruthlessness and Authority: Creon establishes his authority with an iron fist. He displays a willingness to use harsh punishments, including death, to enforce his edicts. This creates a sense of fear and intimidation among the citizens of Thebes.
- Defying the Gods: Creon's defiance of the gods' laws by refusing to allow Antigone to bury her brother Polyneices adds to the audience's fear. His arrogance suggests that he considers himself above the divine order, which raises concerns about the consequences of his actions.
- Uncompromising Stance: Creon's refusal to listen to advice or reconsider his decisions highlights his inflexible nature. This intransigence makes him appear dangerous and unpredictable, intensifying the audience's fear of the consequences of his actions.
2. Pity (Eleos):
- Blindness and Misjudgment: Creon's tragic flaw lies in his blindness to his own errors. He fails to recognize the wisdom of others and stubbornly sticks to his flawed decisions, leading to disastrous outcomes. This evokes pity from the audience as they witness his downfall.
- Suffering and Loss: Creon's actions lead to immense suffering and loss for both himself and his family. The deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice, all of which are directly or indirectly caused by Creon's Entscheidungen, create a sense of pathos and sympathy in the audience.
- Recognition of Error: In some interpretations of the play, Creon eventually recognizes his mistakes and experiences remorse. This shift from arrogance to self-awareness elicits pity from the audience as they witness his transformation from a proud ruler to a broken man.
By combining elements of fear and pity, Creon becomes a complex and compelling tragic hero, evoking a range of emotions in the audience. His character illustrates the consequences of excessive pride, inflexibility, and disregard for divine law, leaving the audience with a sense of catharsis and reflection on the human condition.