acts as
a constant and unwelcome reminder toof the fundamental fragility of his kingship. Although Creon
actually gave Oedipus the throne of Thebes as a reward for solving the riddle of the Sphinx,
Oedipus has never trusted his uncle/brother-in-law. He's so deeply insecure on the throne that
he's certain that Creon plans to snatch it away from him at every available
opportunity.
After all, Oedipus probably reasons that, as Creon gave him the
throne, he can just as easily take it back. This makes Oedipus incredibly paranoid. So paranoid,
in fact, that Oedipus openly accuses Creon of trying to overthrow him aftermakes his terrifying
prophecy.
The more Creon protests his innocence, the more stubborn Oedipus
becomes in his insistence that Creon wants to take back the throne of Thebes. Not for the first
time, and not for the last, Oedipus's overwhelming pride is getting the better of him. And it is
this pride that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
Although Oedipus's
pride would've been enough in and of itself to bring about his downfall, Creon inadvertently
plays his own part in this . So long as he's around, so long as he reminds Oedipus that there's
someone at court who can easily step into his shoes at a moment's notice, Oedipus has no real
incentive to do the right thing and face up to the terrible truth of his own actions. He feels
so threatened by Creon that he daren't confront the truth head on.
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