INACTION_PASSIVITY

^^ from http://xkcd.com/78/




 * REPETITION** is employed throughout the play to convey the idea of inaction or passivity; Haemon, Teiresias, and the Chorus all indicate to Creon that he should rectify his decision to sentence Antigone to death. The conversations between Creon and each of the three characters follow a basic pattern in that he acts open-minded towards their opinions at first but ultimately rejects them. Only at the play's conclusion does Creon choose to change his mind, but by then it is too late as Haemon, Eurydice, and Antigone have all died, illustrating the danger of prolonged inaction.

**CHORUS (to Creon, in reference to Haemon):** “My lord, if he says anything to the point, you should learn from him…” (779-780)

**TEIRESIAS:** “… All men can make mistakes; but, once mistaken, a man is no longer stupid nor accursed who, having fallen on ill, tries to cure that ill, not taking a fine undeviating stand.” (1080-1084)

The events of the play's conclusion also present an example of **SITUATIONAL IRONY**; Creon seems to have learned his lesson and chooses to let Antigone go, an action that would leave Antigone, Haemon, and the people of Thebes satisfied. Unfortunately, the leader only makes this decision after Antigone and Haemon are dead, rendering it pointless. In addition, Eurydice (Creon's wife) has killed herself as well, exemplifying Creon's tragic situation. **CHORUS:** “I think you have learned justice – but too late.” (1347)

Ismene's passivity **CONTRASTS** her character with that of Antigone; whereas Antigone is portrayed as strong-willed in her self-imposed martyrdom and defiance of Creon, Ismene submits of her own accord to Creon's declaration. Similar to Creon in his decision to let Antigone off, Ismene changes her mind afterwards and expresses a desire to join Antigone in her plight.

**ISMENE:** “I do indeed beg those beneath the earth to give me forgiveness, since force constrains me, that I shall yield in this to the authorities. Extravagant action is not sensible.” (74-78)

The chorus' expression "Time the Thief" (735) is an example of **PERSONIFICATION**, as the abstract concept of time is given the human characteristic of thievery. This personification implies that time passes so quickly that people may feel as though their existence is being stolen from them, hence the idea of a thief. Both inaction and passivity only worsen the rapid passing of time since nothing is being done in the time given, and thus the time is being wasted.

**CHORUS:** “We think, If we are not victims of Time the Thief, that you speak intelligently of what you speak.” (735-736)

Through his instances of inaction, Creon is **CHARACTERIZED** more thoroughly. Most of the time his reasons for dismissing others' suggestions arise from stubbornness, pride, and a simple failure to see his decision as unpopular. These reasons are all basic human traits that can easily be succumbed to, and through this depiction of Creon's overextended passivity Sophocles illustrates that nobody is exempt from such basic characteristics, not even leaders like Creon.

**CREON:** “Lead me away, a vain silly man who killed you, son, and you too, lady. I did not mean to, but I did.” (1412-1414 )