Antigones Tragic Hero Essay Example For Students

Antigones Tragic Hero Essay Antigone`s Tragic Hero This analysis is to determine the character that fits the tragic hero profile; it was completely based according to the Aristotelian idea of tragic hero and it is understood that hero is: neither purely evil or purely wicked; the hero must born in the high social status, and he/she must possess a tragic flaw which is proper from the inner side of the character; it usually manifests in the form of poor judgment and or arrogance, condemning him/herself into a catastrophic finality and in the meanwhile, establishes other characters destiny (Eschbach 02/17,). Either Antigone or Creon is situated in the highest level of the social hierarchy. Creon became the king of Thebes, after his two nephews killed each other over the throne; Antigone (Creons niece), was an orphan who happened to be Creons future daughter in law. Both presented moral values, differing exclusively on the situation they were applied. Creons actions towards the people reflected honesty and equal treatment upon the laws he made. In this case, Creon is wrong because he does not have the right to choose the person that could be buried; his laws could not intervene the gods laws. Antigone is just as wrong as Creon. By disobeying the mens laws, she automatically disobeyed the gods laws as well. After a profound analysis of the tragedy, I strongly think that Antigone is not able to be a tragic heroine. Although she encounters the high status of the social hierarchy, her hubris, her moral values and philosophy of living, she is not as adequate as Creon is in Aristotles profile. Antigone possesses all moral values to be, somewhat, a heroine (not a tragic one); she is an eminent example of someone who did what she thought it was right to do (Polynieces burial), and while she was among danger, obstacles and people who were cowards (Chorus), she obeys the laws of the gods and is careless about the mortal laws penalty, her own death. She explains to her sister that her reward after death would reflect on her nobility and values while she was alive. So, do as you Ismene like, whatever suits you best I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory (Sophocles 1045). She also admits that her departure from the mortals world would help her escape her miserable life (referring to her family loss). She is just too perfect to be a tragic hero; she only does what is right, and her death is not seen as a tragedy and yet, a benefit. What are left on my thoughts are the reasons that make Creon more tragic than Antigone. Is it relevant to analyze which of the characters suffered more to realize right from wrong? Which one basically lost almost everyone in the family due to arrogance, stubbornness and pride? Creon is the only one considered the tragic hero because he comes from the highest level of the social status; he is neither perfect or ultimate evil (http://www.md-1.com/ib/tragichero.html), he is stubborn, and he also reflects a personality full of pride. By being the king of Thebes, he is in a position of great power, nobility, responsibility, and influence. He occupies some sense of morality and also states nobility by defending and protecting his city over everything he encounters opposing his rules. .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .postImageUrl , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:hover , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:visited , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:active { border:0!important; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:active , .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ud9c7551efecad62725dea9e420fe57bf:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Rumble Fish Essay Paper He is very clear when he says These are my principles. Never at my hands will the traitor be honored above the patriot (Sophocles 1048). Creon is a very fair and excellent ruler; he punishes the wrong and rewards the good. But whoever proves his loyalty to the state Ill prize that man in death as well as life (Sophocles 1048). On the other hand, the character is not perfect. His choice of punishment, refusing and demanding that nobody is allowed to bury Polynieces body does not achieve his moral values, and yet he dishonors the gods laws. These actions are how hubris and self-indulgence are manifested, and consequently what turns Creon imperfect (tragic flaw); he emphasizes his power and equates himself with the gods by stating that he can take lives .