Number your sentences. Tell what each is and what it does.
1.Creon is so content with his life he sharply contrasts Oedipus’s obsession with
maintaining power in Thebes. 2. For example, when faced with Oedipus’s accusation of
treason, Creon is clear and coherent as he defends his position in the Royal family of
Thebes. 3. He explains to Oedipus, “I have my way in everything with your consent, and
no responsibilities”(31). 4. Creon answers Oedipus’s accusation with logic that is very
convincing. 5. Creon is calm and rational as he defends his honor because he truly has
no interest in taking on the stress of being the ruler of Thebes and he is perfectly content
with his life. 6.Clearly, Creon provides a foil for Oedipus because he is satisfied while
Oedipus seems insecure and paranoid about his position of power. 7. Creon argues, “I
have never longed for the King’s power—only his rights. Would any wise man differ
from me on this?”(31 ). 8.Because Creon is comfortable with himself and his station in
life he is able to rationally discuss his social position with Oedipus. 9. Moreover, Creon
implies that he is wise because he is not king, which is interesting because Oedipus, the
actual king, answers Creon with emotionally charged language and threats, which makes
him seem irrational and unwise in comparison. 10.Sophocles uses Creon’s rational
response to Oedipus’s accusation in order to show how Oedipus becomes rash and
reckless in the face of a power struggle.
1. Topic sentence
It explains that Creon is content, which is
opposite of Oedipus
2. Transition, first point
Introduces first argument (chunk) proving that
Creon is content
3. Lead-in + quotation (CD)
Evidence showing Creon is content/calm
4. Analysis (CM)
Explains how we know that Creon is content. His
reaction proves his attitude about his position in
Thebes.
5. Analysis (CM)
Proves/links to the topic sentence
6. Transition + second point
Introduces second argument: showing how
Creon contrasts Oedipus
7. Lead-in +quote (CD)
Evidence of Creon’s rational response
8. CM
Reasons for Creon’s calm response
9. CM
Comparison to Oedipus and purpose of the
contrast. Proves topic sentence
10. Concluding Sentence
Explains the “so what” of the paragraph, which is
how Sophocles used Creon to show some
irrational traits of Oedipus.
Final thoughts: Are you missing anything? Does your paper fit together?