Essay on Haimons Covert Scheme - 1021 Words

nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Haimon has a certain tendency to be overlooked in Sophocles’ Antigone. At first he appears to be a minor character, an accessory to the overt conflict occurring between Kreon and Antigone. We see Haimon supporting his father, but soon thereafter in conflict with him. Haimon expresses disregard for the life of his cold bride to be, yet is defined as being driven by lust. Several questions come up: who does Haimon really support, what drives his actions, and what is his ultimate intent? Unraveling these issues is a tricky task, but what we find is Haimon is far more than an accessory. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Haimon is introduced in third-person, making his character easily overlooked and marginalized†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Soon thereafter the pace of conversation heats up; attacks are short, blatant, and poignant. Haimon clears the air, saying â€Å"in justice I san see that you are wrong† (743). The most revealing statement is â€Å"[Kreon] There is no way that you will marry her alive! [Haimon] Then she will die, in death destroying someone else!† (750). The third choral ode follows implying that Eros, the god of passionate desire, rules Haimon. This is commonly interpreted as passion for Antigone, but that makes little sense. Until this point, no affection has been expressed between Haimon and Antigone, just as this does not appear to be affection. Before being led to her death, Antigone says â€Å"No wedding hymn is my lot; no marriage song sung for me† (814). Its important to realize that Antigone doesnâ⠂¬â„¢t express regret that she will not be married to Haimon, or the breaking of their betrothal, just that she will never be married in general. As Kreon stated and Haimon probably also knew, â€Å"there are other plots of land for [Haimon] to plow† (569). Antigone doesn’t express loss specific to Haimon, and Haimon likely recognizes Antigone as a commodity. Given this information, is it a sound conclusion that Haimon’s passion is for Antigone, or that something else drives him? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The chorus is right, Eros drives Haimon, but where is that