Here are some examples of Creon's reaction to crime in the play:
1. Swift and Severe Punishment: Creon imposes immediate and harsh punishment for those found guilty of breaking his laws. He declares that anyone who dares to bury the body of Polynices will be put to death by stoning, without trial or any chance of clemency.
2. No Exceptions for Family Ties: Creon's strict adherence to the law extends even to his own family members. Despite Antigone's plea that she was driven by her familial duty to bury her brother, Creon refuses to show mercy and orders her to be carried off to her execution.
3. Public Humiliation: Creon goes beyond simply enforcing punishment. He also seeks to humiliate those who defy him. He commands Antigone to be entombed alive in a rocky cave, ensuring that she will suffer a slow and agonizing death.
4. Ignoring the Chorus' Pleas: Throughout the play, the Chorus of Theban Elders serves as a voice of conscience and reason. However, Creon dismisses their entreaties and warnings about the consequences of his actions. He believes that his authority should not be questioned, and he disregards the Chorus' pleas for mercy and justice.
5. Harsh Words for Antigone: Creon engages in a verbal confrontation with Antigone, accusing her of arrogance, recklessness, and disobedience. He refuses to listen to her reasoning and condemns her without considering the motives behind her actions.
Overall, Creon's reaction to crime in the play is characterized by his unwavering commitment to the law, swift and severe punishment, and a lack of empathy or consideration for individual circumstances. His harsh and uncompromising approach sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold in the story.