Hubris Case

Downfall

Pride can be shown in many ways and can be the downfall to many people and things. In Antigone and Death and the Kings Horseman hubris is the downfall of both of the main characters. Their over excessive pride leads to both men failing and losing both their physical and mental power.

Creon, in the play Antigone shows hubris in many ways, but the majority of which he says. Creon states, “My voice gives order to this city.” This shows that Creon believes he is the ultimate ruler and the city would be chaos without him. Also Creon is talking to the sentry and says “Your very voice distresses me.” Creon’s over excessive pride gets to him and he thinks he can be disrespectful to the sentry because he the greatest ruler to ever live. Creon also states “If we must lose, lets lose to a man at least!” This is another example of Creon having too much pride because he doesn't want to lose to a woman. Creon even says “Whatever you say, you will not change my will.” Even when he is approached with better advice, he will not accept it due to his over excessive pride.

In Death and the King’s Horseman, Elesin shows hubris best by what he does. Elesin wants to marry the young woman even though he has to commit ritual suicide very soon. He doesn't even care about the woman he just wants to have a son. He thinks he can have whatever he wants because he is the Elesin. This shows his excessive pride. Also Elesin tells Iyoloja “Honor me. I deserve a bed of honor to lie on.” Elesin show hubris in this because he is telling someone to honor him because he thinks he is so special. Also Elesin has waited until the day before to leave a son on the earth. This is an example of him having too much pride thinking that everyone will let him have his last request right before he dies.

Pride is a very dangerous quality in a man. It can bring a man up to power but destroy him just as easy.