Oidipous seeks to arouse Kreon’s compassion for his daughters, but the latter has already demonstrated his compassion; he pities his nieces. Yet while his compassion is expected, myth provides the audience with its own insight into the future; neither Kreon’s rectitude nor his compassion will suffice to make him either a good parent or a good ruler. Oidipous, though now apparently gifted with insight into his daughters’ future (he envisions them living without the necessary support of a male protector, without a source of sustenance, wandering homeless in the bent posture of one who can only beg, having nothing to offer, objects of pity and even scorn, for though innocent they bear the stigma of their father’s deeds), yet he knows nothing of the conflict to arise between Kreon and Antigone. His insights are nothing more than the fearful projections of a worried father. As his own willingness to suffer for the sake of parents and city availed neither, Kreon’s compassion will not suffice to secure the girls’ wellbeing. One must recognize the limits imposed on one’s powers by one’s limitations and continuously seek able counsel, which in a matter of pollution must come from the god through an appropriate intermediary. [Md] [Mpea] [Mw] [Mipd]