Antigone: Scenes 3 & 4

Summary of Scene 3:

• Creon and Haemon have a conversation about Antigone.
• Creon starts off by lecturing his son a bit, warning him not to lose his head over this girl. He speaks at length about the value of obedience. It is very clear that Creon expects his son, Haemon, to do exactly as he says. Creon is not used to being challenged.
• Haemon listens patiently to his dad, then gives him a "compliment sandwich" - he tells his father that he is wise, but that he has heard people speaking about Antigone's death sentence. He tells his dad that people don't agree with it. He is careful to not directly confront his dad. 
• Creon reacts badly. He does not want to listen to someone who is younger than he is.
• The conversation devolves into a verbal fight.
• Creon thinks everyone should just blindly follow what he says. Haemon says that leaders should listen to their people.
• They trade insults.
• Creon threatens to kill Antigone right now, right here in front of Haemon. (They are engaged, remember?!)
• Haemon peaces out, angry.
• Creon admits that he has changed his mind about one thing. He has decided not to kill Ismene.
• This is the first time we see that Creon has changed at all. He is now officially a dynamic character. He admits that he was wrong. (Gasp!)

Choragus: These girls? You have sentenced them both?

Creon: No, you are right. I will not kill the one whose hands are clean.

(3.138-140)

Creon and Haemon have words.

Summary of Scene 4:

• This scene is very short.
• Antigone is being lead to her death.
• She is obviously sad about dying.
• She cries the whole way to her final resting place.
• Creon shows up and hurries them along, wanting her in her grave ASAP.