Does Creon’s decision to punish the guards seem justified within the context of the story?

Creon’s decision to punish the guards can be seen as excessively harsh when considering the context of the story. Creon is portrayed as a ruler deeply concerned with maintaining order and authority in Thebes after a tumultuous period. However, the guards’ role is largely one of enforcement rather than direct involvement in the actions that led to the disobedience of Antigone. They were tasked with the responsibility of keeping watch over the body of Polyneices, but they are not the ones who defied Creon's orders by burying him.

In this light, the punishment reflects more on Creon's insecurity and need to assert his dominance rather than a reasonable discipline of duty. The severity of the punishment towards the guards serves to highlight Creon's authoritarian approach and creates a sense of injustice, implying that he is willing to scapegoat others to reinforce his power. This can evoke sympathy for the guards, who are essentially caught in a political battle that they did not instigate.