Final answer:
The conversation hints at a critical conflict between Creon's autocracy and Haimon's democratic leanings, highlighting fundamental themes in Greek tragedy on governance and ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The exchange between Creon and Haimon reveals a conflict of ideologies regarding leadership and the nature of the state. Creon believes in an autocratic rule where the king's voice is supreme, whereas Haimon suggests that a true city is one in which multiple voices are heard, not just the ruling voice of one individual. This dialogue underscores the themes of power, governance, and morality that are central to the play. Haimon's retort implies that without the input and consent of the people, a state is but a hollow shell, likening it to a 'desert.'