The City and Its Ruler

Antigone

This thread tracks the changing relationship between Thebes and Creon as a decree becomes public knowledge and popular pressure grows.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Saved but Unsettled Saved but Unsettled from "Antigone". Saved but Unsettled Victory without repair Thebes survives the attack, but the royal brothers are dead and the city remains divided.

Saved but Unsettled from "Antigone". Saved but Unsettled Victory without repair Thebes survives the attack, but the royal brothers are dead and the city remains divided.

Saved but Unsettled Victory without repair Thebes survives the attack, but the royal brothers are dead and the city remains divided. Authority must be asserted Creon takes power in an unstable aftermath. The city’s survival sets the stage for his effort to impose order.

A Public Decree A Public Decree from "Antigone". A Public Decree A visible warning Creon announces that Polynices must remain unburied and threatens anyone who helps him.

A Public Decree from "Antigone". A Public Decree A visible warning Creon announces that Polynices must remain unburied and threatens anyone who helps him.

A Public Decree A visible warning Creon announces that Polynices must remain unburied and threatens anyone who helps him. Loyalty measured publicly The order demands that citizens accept the ruler’s distinction between the brothers. It makes private mourning a civic risk.

A Secret Incident A Secret Incident from "Antigone". A Secret Incident Containment attempted Creon tells Jonas to keep quiet and continue the watch.

A Secret Incident from "Antigone". A Secret Incident Containment attempted Creon tells Jonas to keep quiet and continue the watch.

A Secret Incident Containment attempted Creon tells Jonas to keep quiet and continue the watch. The city held at bay For a short time, the breach stays within the palace and the guard detail. The ruler still hopes to solve the problem without public exposure.

The Crowd at the Palace The Crowd at the Palace from "Antigone". The Crowd at the Palace Private action becomes public The Chorus warns Creon that Antigone’s death will leave a lasting mark.

The Crowd at the Palace from "Antigone". The Crowd at the Palace Private action becomes public The Chorus warns Creon that Antigone’s death will leave a lasting mark.

The Crowd at the Palace Private action becomes public The Chorus warns Creon that Antigone’s death will leave a lasting mark. Pressure arrives physically A mob gathers outside and presses into the palace. Creon’s room for compromise shrinks as city opinion becomes audible.

Order Without Peace Order Without Peace from "Antigone". Order Without Peace Rule continues Creon goes to the council meeting despite his family’s deaths.

Order Without Peace from "Antigone". Order Without Peace Rule continues Creon goes to the council meeting despite his family’s deaths.

Order Without Peace Rule continues Creon goes to the council meeting despite his family’s deaths. A hollow settlement The guards return to cards while the Chorus describes the city’s sorrowful quiet. Political order survives, but it has not made Thebes whole.

Immediately after the invading army is defeated

After the battle, before Antigone’s first burial

After the guards discover the first covering

After Antigone openly defies Creon

After the royal household has died