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How Does Oedipus Influence Creon

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How Does Oedipus Influence Creon
In Oedipus Rex the themes of faith and influence are shown not only through the gods influence over the people and the people's’ faith in them but also through the people's faith in Creon's leadership. In the beginning of the play Oedipus becomes the king of Thebes and works alongside Creon, the queen of Thebes’ brother. Creon is a long-running politician and citizen of power in Thebes and is originally viewed as almost an advisor. In the story, Creon is an example of a “powerful” leader as he has a strong faith in the gods and leads the people of Thebes with a perceived openness. Creon is an influential character that throughout the story of Oedipus Rex is a key supporting character for the plot. Oedipus Rex revolves around the themes of a …show more content…
Creon is no exception. He will twist the citizens with his words to his will. He can turn the citizens even against oedipus, a man they respected and called king. “You citizens, I have just discovered/ that Oedipus, our king, has levelled charges/ against me, disturbing allegations./ That I cannot bear, so I have come here./ In these present troubles, if he believes/ that he has suffered injury from me,/ in word or deed, then I have no desire/ to keep on living into ripe old age/ still bearing his reproach. For me/ the injury produced by this report/ is not a single isolated matter—/no, it has the greatest scope of all,/ if I end up being called a wicked man/ here in the city, a bad citizen,/ by you and by my friends” (4.12-13). In this quote Creon is using his respected name to his advantage as he speaks to the citizens of Thebes asking them to help him. He facetiously asks why Oedipus blames him and sadness that he would be put against the people. This shows Creon's manipulative side and his wits with his ability to take advantage and control of a situation. Creon is proving himself as a leader as he is able to turn the situation around from him being accused to proving his love for the country of Thebes and its people. Creon often expresses his love for the citizens but in reality he often views them as pawns that he can turn against Oedipus. To show how manipulative Creon is again the smiles he often sends to the people. Although a smile itself is not manipulative it can be as he can use perception so that people view him in a positive light even if he is using
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