1. Appeal to Oedipus' Judgment: Creon begins by appealing to Oedipus' reputation for wisdom and fairness, saying, "You are known for your wisdom and fairness, and that is why I come to you with this request." This acknowledges Oedipus' authority and flatters him, making him more receptive to Creon's words.
2. Emphasizing Kinship: Creon draws attention to the fact that Polyneices is Oedipus' son, despite their estrangement. He says, "Even though he has wronged you, he is still your son, and according to the laws of nature and kinship, you have a duty to hear his pleas." This reminds Oedipus of his paternal responsibilities and family ties.
3. Highlighting Polyneices' Repentance: Creon then emphasizes that Polyneices regrets his past actions and is willing to make amends. He says, "He comes in supplication, confessing his errors, and asks only to be heard." This portrays Polyneices in a more sympathetic light and softens Oedipus' anger towards him.
4. Urgency and Potential Consequence: Creon warns Oedipus that refusing to hear Polyneices could have serious consequences, saying, "If you reject him, you may cause more harm to yourself, to your family, and to the city." This creates a sense of urgency and suggests that it's in Oedipus' best interest to at least listen to what Polyneices has to say.
5. Appeals to Empathy and Compassion: Finally, Creon appeals to Oedipus' empathy and compassion by saying, "Think of the pain you would feel if you were in Polyneices' position. Would you not want your own father to hear you out?" This taps into Oedipus' sense of humanity and reminds him that even those who have erred deserve a chance to be heard.
In the end, it's the combination of these arguments, especially the emphasis on kinship and the potential consequences, that convinces Oedipus to agree to hear what Polyneices has to say.