OEDIPUS THE KING

SCENE II

Creon now enters to address the Chorus and the audience. He had been absent when Oedipus accused him and Teiresias of conspiring to seize power; this is his opportunity to speak when Oedipus is not present. Creon begins protesting his innocence and denying that he is part of any conspiracy. Tension builds as Creon personally attacks the reputation and moral character of Oedipus. This would be a lot like the "character assassination" tactics that followed the downfall of Richard Nixon. Creon speaks in anger but also out of fear. Why? He is innocent of conspiracy but perhaps doesn't trust Oedipus to behave fairly. This is the first time you've felt Oedipus' ability as a leader questioned. Already his power is starting to disintegrate.

Creon's outrage reaches its climax when he asks the Chorus if Oedipus has lost his mind, almost replaying the previous scene:

But you were watching him! Were his eyes steady?
Did he look like a man in his right mind?

The Chorus is surprised by Creon's outburst. It admits that there's no way of knowing whether Oedipus was seriously accusing Creon or just spouting off in anger. But the Chorus reminds Creon that Oedipus is king and that it is impossible to judge the behavior of great men. This is an important point to consider. The Chorus may be saying that Oedipus has a right to say and do whatever he chooses because he is the king, an absolute authority. Or the Chorus may be saying that for the good of the state no one should question the actions of a ruler.

NOTE:

Some readers look to this first part of the scene to prove that Creon is jealous of Oedipus' political power and is actually plotting against him, asking for support from the Chorus. Others suggest that the Chorus is telling Creon to reserve judgment, that only the gods can judge a king. Pay close attention to the tone of Creon's outburst here because later in the play, when he becomes king of Thebes, he will treat Oedipus like he thinks he is being treated now.

The mood of the scene is quickly shattered when Oedipus enters from the palace. Oedipus obviously has had time to think about the conspiracy he suspected in the first scene; further thought has confirmed his suspicions, however. His first words to Creon are an accusation. He calls Creon a murderer and demands that he confess to having killed Laios.

Creon is stunned by this. He doesn't understand why he should now also be a suspect in the murder. Oedipus' principal argument is that if Teiresias knew the brutal facts of Laios' death, he should have spoken out earlier. Why did he wait until now to accuse Oedipus? Oedipus asks. Was he bribed to do so by Creon? Oedipus' logic may be off-base here, but Creon is taken off guard just now, and he tries to meet the accusations.

The only answer Creon can think of to defend Teiresias is that Teiresias is a man who holds his tongue when he has no facts to go on. For himself, however, Creon can think of several reasons why this accusation is false. Turning toward the audience for support, he lists four reasons why he wouldn't be Oedipus' rival for power.

NOTE:

It was customary for citizens to defend themselves in court in Athens. All of these reasons would have appealed to the Athenian audience, because they are the basic democratic principles of Greek society and government. This approach by Creon would be like a modern politician referring to the Declaration of Independence to justify his refusal to accept public office.

Creon presents his defense by saying: 1. he never wanted a king's power, only his individual rights; 2. he would refuse the office of king because he never wanted to be a slave to policy; 3. he has no need of personal "honors," only his honorable reputation; and 4. he hates anarchy and could not support any man who did.

Turning back to Oedipus, Creon encourages the king to visit the priestess at Delphi to hear for himself that Creon quoted her accurately. After that, Creon says, if Oedipus still thinks there is a conspiracy, he can sentence Creon to immediate death. This is a brave offer to make, but Creon has worked up his sense of innocence-and perhaps his anger-to a bold pitch.

The Chorus interrupts, encouraging Oedipus to consider the wisdom of Creon's words. For the first time the Chorus suggests that Oedipus is not acting like a wise and honored ruler. But Oedipus ignores the Chorus' advice. Instead he demands that Creon be put to death as a "symbol" of what treason means. As his anger mounts Oedipus says that Creon is "evil incarnate," and should pay for his treason with his life. Surprisingly, Creon remains calm throughout this outburst. He doesn't interrupt again to protest his innocence. His only reaction is to say to the audience that Oedipus is a "fool." His self-control throws Oedipus' irrational reaction into a bad light.

Mercifully, the heated argument is broken off when the Chorus announces that the queen, Iocaste, is approaching; perhaps she'll be able to make peace between her husband and her brother. This pause in the action of the story gives you a moment to look at what is happening. Oedipus has lost control; he scarcely seems capable of reason or logic. Creon emerges as a sympathetic character who is being abused and misjudged, Iocaste's arrival, however, presents you with some hope that the argument will be resolved without bloodshed.

Why is Oedipus behaving so rashly? In a matter of a few hours he has dramatically changed from a compassionate ruler, interested in solving the mystery of the plague, to a ranting hothead, intent on destroying Creon. Imagine yourself in Oedipus' position. Teiresias' troubling prophecy is still fresh in his mind. Perhaps Oedipus is now beginning to suspect that he himself played a role in the murder of Laios-and it bothers him.

NOTE:

Most critics point to this scene between Oedipus and Creon as the first indication that Oedipus is hastening toward his ultimate downfall. He is quarrelsome and angry; he refuses to compromise or to see Creon's point of view. His suspicious nature makes him question everyone's opinion but his own. Later you may want to compare this scene to the final scene between Oedipus and Creon to see how each man has changed as the story unfolds and the truth is revealed.

Iocaste has been drawn to the scene by the men's loud voices, which she overheard in her bedroom. Imagine Iocaste's entering here like a worried mother who has heard her children fighting over some trivial matter. She tries to persuade Oedipus and Creon to be calm and behave themselves. But Oedipus refuses to listen to her and again demands the death of Creon.

One unique feature of Iocaste's scene with Oedipus and Creon is the insertion of two strophes to separate the lines of dialogue. Remember that strophes were used before in the Parados, chiefly to suggest the indecision of the Chorus. Here, however, they are used to plead with Oedipus. The Chorus begs Oedipus to open his mind to Iocaste's views and to respect Creon's protests of innocence. When Oedipus refuses to change his position, the Chorus attacks his vanity and laments his once-noble character. It also reminds him that there's trouble enough in Thebes without the king causing more.

Urged on all sides, Oedipus finally agrees to spare Creon's life, but insists that he leave Thebes at once. He remains angry toward his brother-inlaw, though, vowing to hate him as long as he lives. Creon, on the other hand, shows no bitterness toward Oedipus. He keeps his poise and noble stature, in contrast to Oedipus' ugly rage.

When Creon is banished from Thebes, it appears to Oedipus that the problem has been solved. Oedipus seems convinced that Creon was responsible for the plague, and that Creon and Teiresias really were plotting to seize his throne. You could expect Oedipus and Iocaste to return to the palace at this point. But if they did that the play would be over. Sophocles introduces more conflict by having Iocaste ask the Chorus what Oedipus and Creon had been arguing about.

Iocaste's question is ironic because it causes her to learn information that will throw her life into a tail-spin. Iocaste refuses to accept the Chorus' account of a conspiracy between Creon and Teiresias. She innocently asks Oedipus to tell her what Teiresias said that provoked such anger and confusion. Before Oedipus can relate the story, the Chorus interrupts and pleads with Iocaste to let well enough alone. Tension rises as Iocaste, despite the warning, presses on. Iocaste's innocent question prompts Oedipus to reveal the prophecy made by Teiresias. If Iocaste had not been so inquisitive, Oedipus would never have mentioned Teiresias' visit. Of course, Iocaste is only trying to find out what Oedipus and Creon were quarreling about. She has never seen or heard them argue before, and is disturbed that her husband and brother have parted as enemies.