Creon declares that anarchists are behind the burial of Polyneices. What dramatic irony lies in the declaration?
Ask yourself what 'plot' is Creon hatching? This is like the pot calling the kettle black.
Creon declares that anarchists are behind the burial of Polyneices. How is this dramatic irony?
To identify the dramatic irony in Creon's declaration regarding anarchists being behind the burial of Polyneices, we need to understand the concept of dramatic irony and the context of the scene.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that a character on stage does not. In this case, Creon wrongly accuses anarchists of the burial, while the audience knows the truth.
To uncover the dramatic irony, we need to examine the events leading up to Creon's statement. In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, Antigone, the sister of Polyneices, goes against Creon's edict and buries her brother's body, which was considered an act of treason. When Creon later finds out about the burial, he orders his guards to find the culprits responsible.
However, unbeknownst to Creon, it was not anarchists who buried Polyneices, but Antigone herself. The audience is aware of this because we have witnessed Antigone's dilemma, her decision to defy Creon's edict, and the subsequent burial. Therefore, while Creon confidently proclaims that anarchists are behind the burial, the audience is aware that his assumptions are incorrect, creating dramatic irony.
This dramatic irony serves to heighten the tension and create suspense as the audience knows that Creon's search for anarchists is futile, leading to the revelation and consequences when the truth is eventually discovered.