Despair

Question:
What is the meaning of "Despair" and how does this theme manifest itself in both plays?

Answer:
Despair is to be without hope or give Despair seems to be a constant theme all throughout both plays. There is the despair when Oedipus' parents find out that their son is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Valuing their lives, they have no other choice than to leave him to die. There is also the despair when Oedipus finds out that despite his attempts to change it, the prophecy has come true and he has commited a great sin. Then the despair is taken further when his mother/wife kills herself, he gouges out his eyes and banishes himself from the kingdom. But the despair does not end there. Antigone must despair when she knows that she must either do what she feels is right, and pay for it with her life, or simply do nothing and feel like a coward. Then, following her death it is Haemon's turn to despair when Antigone, the one he loves kills herself. Finally Creon and his wife must despair when their son dies. Creon rightly blames himself for the disaster and is left praying and begging for death.