Antigone: Tragic Hero Essay

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Antigone is a Greek Tragedy that stresses the use of sovereignty and virtue against the law ,written by Sophocles. Within the story, the inquery of who the tragic hero is, King Creon or Antigone herself, is a subject of highly debatable class. The king Creon possesses some of the characteristics that define a tragic character, as defined in Aristotle's Tragic Theory. According to Aristotle's Theory, there are a few major traits, which are required of the tragic character. The character must be viewed as a good person. He must focus on becoming a bettering his standing or nation. He must not waiver greatly in their actions. Finally, the audience must feal sorrow or fear for the hero. Due to the fact that Creon represents these four with accuracy, it is without a doubt that he is the tragic hero of the story.In order to define Creon as the tragic hero, he first must be a good and upstanding person." I am aware, of course ,that no Ruler can expect complete loyalty from his subjects until he has been tested in office. Nevertheless, i say to you at the very outset that i have nothing but contempt for the kind of Governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the State ... I call to God to witness that if I saw my country headed for ruin, I should not be afraid to speak out plainly"(Sophocles, Scene 1,17-26). This quote from the script shows his strong sense of chauvinism, leadership ability, and willingness. All of these are attributed through his charisma and politicaal standing.Creon is deep-down a good-hearted person and has the best views for his nation as a whole. His perspective can best be interpreted as " the ends justify the means." It is somewhat debated, if his actions are just, within the story. However the case. his importance in Thebes is unquestionable.

Aristotle's second rule of finding the tragic hero is the person must set goals torwards justice and order. The character must work towards becoming a better person. This is not soley for themself, but also their nation. Creon illustrates this second guideline by his effort to both, enforce is law and see to it that anarchy does not break loose in Thebes. He attempts to destroy any effort of rebellion, thus ultimately ruining any chance of another war. To be repeated: "I call to God to witness that if I saw my country headed for ruin, I should not be afraid to speak out plainly"(Sophocles, Scene 1,24-26) Creon shows that he has indeed acquired a great amount of respect and dominance so that no rebellion (besides Antigone) takes place during his rule. This is evidenced through Isemene's reluctance to aid ,even her sister, in a crime. In some ways, Antigone does comply with Aristotle's second guideline. However, Creon is more clearly defined. Throughout the play, she does not allow herself to see the point of view from other people, such as when Creon and her sister attempt to reason with her, and she fully neglects any word but her own. "I should have praise for what I have done. All these men here would praise me were their lips not frozen shut with fear of you"(Sophocles, Scene 2, 99-101). Is is obvious from the quote, Antigone is stubborn to fault and was out to destroy any rule mad to set an example to keep the peace. That, alone, eliminates her from the first of the characteristics.In addition, the next guideline of a true tragic hero is ability of the character to be true to life and be relatable in behavior and actions. Following the guideline, Creon is a believable person with realistic thoughts and emotions. One can even debate the fact that he is much more logical than Antigone. He is also very relatable in his behavior, and does not demonstrate evidence of having an unconventional
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