Antigone (The Oedipus Plays) | Stasimon 3 | Summary

Summary

The Chorus invokes Eros, the god of love, to come to Haemon's aid since they fear the son has been driven mad by his father's decision to kill his bride. Love is an emotion that can't be controlled, they say, and is the source of this particular conflict. The Chorus also cautions that to interfere with love the way that Creon has may invoke the wrath of the goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Analysis

The Chorus's invocation of Eros provides an observation about the power of love over men, which drives them to make irrational decisions. After announcing that Antigone's nature is to love, Creon commands her in Episode 3, "Then go down to the dead. If you must love, love them." For Creon love is the enemy, as is anyone who gives credence to it or Eros. It's interesting to note that Haemon does not use his love of Antigone as a reason why his father shouldn't kill her and so the Chorus brings the issue up for him. The reference to Eros has more power coming from them since their voices are removed from the immediate conflict and relationships. They also seem to be siding with Haemon here, pointing out the injustice that Creon is inflicting upon people who cannot control their love for each other.