Leadership strengths and flaws in Sophocles' Oedipus and Creon

Oedipus, Creon and Leadership

Antigone

Graphic Organizer

Parse the prompt below: (What is the question asking? Break it into the answerable parts)

How are Oedipus and Creon similar? How are they different? How is each effective and ineffective as a leader?

Prewriting: Choose one of the following brainstorming techniques from chapter one of your Grammar text book and map it out below

Oedipus: loves the people (good quality), wants to solve the mystery (good), impulsive (bad quality), attempts to defy the will of the gods (bad quality), finally submits to the will of the gods (good quality)

Creon: respectful of the gods in Oedipus Rex (good), less respectful in Antigone (bad), responsible for deaths of persons close to him (bad)

Prewriting/Research: Read the provided article on leadership styles. Identify three to four quotes that you think will be beneficial to your argument and write them in the space below:

"Leadership is the uniquely consistent and defining force behind great, enduring organizations." (Givray)

2. Leadership is "uncompromised integrity in both words and actions" (Givray)

3. Leadership is "honoring one's word by always delivering on promises and commitments" (Givray)

4. Leadership is "authentic humility..[which] fuels your willingness and ability to show genuine appreciation and support of others" (Givray)

Thesis Statement:

Oedipus and Creon are both leaders of Thebes, and while both have their good points, each also demonstrates a number of flaws: this paper will show what makes both Oedipus and Creon effective and ineffective leaders.

Prewriting: Outlining (this is just a template)

Introduction Paragraph: Introducing Thebes

Introducing Hook: The world of Thebes is governed by two men, both of whom have good and bad points as leaders.

Introduction of topic: While both Oedipus and Creon are strong leaders, they are consistently inconsistent and therefore flawed leaders.

Thesis statement: This paper will show what makes both Oedipus and Creon effective and ineffective leaders.

Body paragraph one: Good qualities of Oedipus and Creon

Topic sentence: Oedipus and Creon demonstrate the following good qualities throughout their reign:

Supporting details: Oedipus is kind, loyal, persistent, determined, dutiful, humble; Creon is respectful.

Clincher sentence: As a result, the people trust them.

Body paragraph two: Bad qualities of Oedipus and Creon

Topic sentence: Oedipus and Creon demonstrate the following bad qualities throughout their reign:

Supporting details: Oedipus is rash, impulsive, loses his temper, defies the gods; Creon disrespects the body of the brother of Antigone, shows no compassion

Clincher sentence: As a result, they lose their command.

Body paragraph three: Why they are effective and ineffective

Topic sentence: Oedipus and Creon are effective leaders because they show humility, integrity, and commitment; they are ineffective leaders when they show arrogance, inconsistency, and vengefulness.

Supporting details: Oedipus is humble at the end, Creon is proud at the end

Clincher sentence: They are effective at times but ineffective at others, and this plays a part in their downfall.

Conclusion: It is possible for leaders to be a complex mixture of good and bad qualities, which translate into effective and ineffective leadership moments. This is the case with Oedipus and Creon.

Oedipus and Creon: Leaders of Thebes

The world of Thebes is governed by two men, both of whom have good and bad points as leaders. While both Oedipus and Creon are strong leaders, they are consistently inconsistent and therefore flawed leaders. This paper will show what makes both Oedipus and Creon effective and ineffective leaders, based on Givray's "12 Distinguishing Qualities that Define True Leaders" and the plays by Sophocles.

Oedipus and Creon are similar in the sense that each possesses good qualities that evince themselves throughout the plays: for instance, Oedipus is determined to help the people of Thebes -- he loves them and wants to end their suffering, stating, "My zeal in your behalf you cannot doubt!" (Oedipus Rex, line 14). Likewise, Creon also is determined to help the people of Thebes, which is why he is so cruel to Polynices, because he views him as a traitor and destroyer of the state -- and therefore "none shall entomb him or mourn," though clearly he does not know or understand the depth of Antigone's devotion when he makes this edict (Antigone, line 8). In doing so, Creon demonstrates also a bad quality, just as Oedipus demonstrates a bad quality in his thirst to help the Thebans. So while the people are led to trust and love Oedipus and Creon by their good qualities, the leaders' flaws lead to trouble for all.

What are their bad qualities? This is where Oedipus and Creon and different: Oedipus's main bad quality is his rashness towards the priest and his belief that the gods can be wrong (lack of humility). For Creon, his bad quality is a lack of compassion towards Antigone. Oedipus loses his temper with Tiresias and claims that he will find the villain in Thebes, not believe the priest when he says that Oedipus is the villain. Creon refuses to let Antigone bury her brother and brings down upon all a horrible scene because he lacks compassion for those to whom he should show most love. These flaws bring down a world of pain on all.