Oedipus the King: Arguing with Creon

 How does Creon try to convince Oedipus that he is to be trusted? 

By Margaret

Creon begins his speech with a strong opening statement: ‘That’s not the case, if you applied reason as I do’. This highlights Creon’s strong use of logos in this address; he uses sound logic and reasoning to show Oedipus that that he is being irrational. Creon’s clear and direct way of outlining his points shows Oedipus that he means well and has Oedipus and Thebes’ best interests at heart.

            Furthermore, Creon uses several rhetorical questions throughout his speech: ‘Do you think that anyone/would choose to rule… if he had the same level of power?’ The use of these questions helps to engage Oedipus in what Creon is saying, forcing him to reflect on the rationality of his argument. Again, Creon’s use of logos is compelling Oedipus to perceive Creon as a legitimate opponent whose words are worth consideration.

            Moreover, Creon also uses some form of pathos to convince Oedipus of his trustworthiness: ‘Why would ruling be more pleasurable/than misery-free power and supremacy?’ Creon’s use of emotive language here, as well as in a few other places in his address, acts as a persuasive technique that balances his more dominant use of logos. This applies to Oedipus’ passionate disposition, while still retaining that sense of rationality which is key in contrasting with said disposition.

            In addition, several important rhetoric devices help pull Creon’s speech together: ‘As it is now, everyone greets me, everyone keeps me close,/everyone who wants something from you approaches me first’. In this case, Creon uses both anaphora and asyndeton to draw attention to his point. His repetition of the word ‘everyone’ is a helpful emphatic device which shows Oedipus the strength of his reasoning, thus helping to justify why Oedipus should trust him.

            Likewise, Creon uses these various rhetoric and persuasive tools to gradually build up Oedipus’ trust. This allows him to give Oedipus direct and specific advice regarding the validation of Creon’s argument: ‘If you want proof of this, then go to Pytho/and find out whether I reported the oracle to you accurately’. Creon’s confidence in giving this advice exhibits the honesty in his argument. Oedipus cannot ignore the power Creon holds by making this assertion, thus convincing him that Creon can be trusted.

            Similarly, Creon uses a variety of rhetoric devices to strengthen his assertion that he is innocent: ‘It’s an injustice to decide haphazardly/that bad men are good or good men are bad’. This use of diatyposis and antithesis engages the listener (Oedipus) using wordplay. Likewise, the epanalepsis with the word ‘bad’ helps to reinforce the wisdom in Creon’s words. This wisdom will register with Oedipus, helping him to see Creon in a more trustworthy light.

            Furthermore, Creon repeats his use of pathos by using catachresis  towards the end of his speech: ‘throwing away a good friend is like/thrusting your own beloved life from your body’. This metaphor uses dramatic hyperbole to intensify Creon’s meaning- that Oedipus will be doing this very act if he continues to accuse Creon in this way. The truth in this is very clear and, by this point, Oedipus cannot fail to understand what Creon has been trying to convey to him throughout this entire address.

            Lastly, Creon uses a powerful antithetical statement to conclude his speech: ‘only time reveals a man to be just,/but you could spot a bad one in just a single day’. The language used here is almost a warning in disguise for Oedipus, as if Creon is asking him ‘are you just or are you bad?’ Again, Creon’s clear and direct reasoning makes his argument plausible and understandable. This helps to convince Oedipus that Creon can be trusted, as it is obvious that Creon knows what he is talking about.