The Tragic Hero in Antigone Essay Example For Students

The Tragic Hero in Antigone Essay Antigone is a Greek tragic piece that stresses the use of power and morality versus the law written by Sophocles. Both Antigone and Creon, the main characters in the play, could represent the tragic hero. A tragic hero is a character who is known for being dignified and has a flaw that assists to his or her downfall. In my opinion, Creon best qualifies for being the tragic hero and fitting the definition read in the previous sentence. The things he said, did, and the comments that were made by those around him show how a man with everything could lose it all due to his own behavior. We will write a custom essay on The Tragic Hero in Antigone specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now To open, the things he said showed how he changed and became the tragic hero of the play. Many of his statements reveal his personality including his admirable parts and his flaws. When Creon says: 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), it shows his strong sense of nationalism and leadership which catches up with him in the end. The inflexible heart breaks first, the toughest iron cracks first, and the wildest horses bend their necks at the pull of the smallest curb (scene 2,76-79) is what Creon says to Antigone after finding out she is the one who buried Polynieces. He thinks that if Antigone wasnt so headstrong and arrogant then she could have avoided the consequence he was about to give her. I think Creon was being a hypocrite because he is just as stubborn as she is. The reason why Creon and Antigone come in to so much conflict is because their ways of thinking are almost exactly alike. It is hard to deny the heart! But I will do it: I will not fight with destiny (scene 5, 100), is a statement that shows Creon detecting his fault and how he needs to correct it. After talking to Teiresias, the blind prophet, he realizes in order for the higher powers to forgive him he needs to release Antigone. Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust (exodos, 138). Creon recognizes his flaw and its consequences but it is too late because fate has already occurred. Moreover, many people say that actions speak louder than words. In scene 2 line 164, Creon orders the guards to take Antigone and Ismene away. Not caring for his sons, Antigones fianc, feelings, he still insists that they be taken away and guarded well. Creon feels the law should stand despite if the person is family and or innocent, or how moral the act was. Bring her Antigone out! Let her die before his eyes (scene 3, 130). Creon was willing to be the cause of sons ruin just to prove that he is the king, the father, and always right. I will go. .. I buried her; I will set her free (scene 5, 102,104). Creon finally comes to a just state of mind and does what is ethically right. Unfortunately, he came to his conclusion too late, for Antigone had already hanged herself. Last, the comments made by other characters show how Creon is a tragic hero. Because they bend, even twigs are safe, while stubborn trees are torn (scene 3, 79-80). Haeman said the same thing to Creon that Creon said to Antigone. Haeman points that Creon needs to stop being narrow-minded and stubborn, and listen for a change. Not far off when you shall pay back corpse for corpse (scene 5, 72-73). Teiresias warns Creon that his ways will cause him destruction and he should do something about it now. Creon was happy once. .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .postImageUrl , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:hover , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:visited , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:active { border:0!important; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 { 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; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:active , .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .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; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7 .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u21bc6c2397961dc74fd3709b333312c7:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Lowering The Drinking Age Essay.. and now it has all gone from him (exodos, 7 and 10). The Messenger indicates the time of Creons downfall. In summary, Creon is The Tragic Hero in Antigone Essay. He started off being the noble king who had everything until a young woman did what she believed in and tested him. He let his pride get in the way of what was important and caused his own destruction losing almost everyone in his life. I am glad that Creon finally understood how this whole . The tragic hero in antigone Essay Example For Students The tragic hero in antigone Essay The Tragic Hero in the Play Antigone Antigone, which was written by Sophocles, is possibly the first written play that still exists today (www.imagi 1). There is much controversy between who the tragic hero is in the play. Some people say Antigone, some say Creon, others even say Heamon. I believe Creon displays all of the characteristics of a tragic hero. He receives compassion through the audience, yet recognizes his weaknesses, and his downfalls from his own self-pride, stubbornness, and controlling demands. He is the true protagonist. Though the audience notices how villainous Creon is, they still express sympathy towards him. They realize that he has brought all of his problems on himself and should have been more open-minded, but think no one should have to go through what he has. They understand how the warrior king Creon felt when he notices his son is love struck. The audience also expresses pity towards him because Antigone is a murderer and understands why he is upset. We will write a custom essay on The tragic hero in antigone specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Creons noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted. Creon is a very authoritative person and demands control of others. When talking to the Chorus, Creon does not ask them to agree with the decree but demands that they follow it. Creon expects loyalty from others. It is apparent that Creon is very dominating and wants to be in control. The man the city sets up in authority must be obeyed in small things and in just but also in their opposites(717-719). Through this quote the reader realizes that Creon wants obedience in everything he decides even if he is at fault. There is nothing worse than disobedience to authority (723-724). Further supporting Creons belief that everyone shall remain faithful to him even if he rules unfairly. This is proved true when Creon says, Should the city tell me how I am to rule them? (790). Creon has forgotten that the ruler is supposed to do what is best for the city and its citizens. Creon is under the impression that he is always correct in his judgments and his beliefs. Before the sentry even explains the event that has occurred, the sentry states that he is only a messenger and has not committed the crime. Yet Creon still accuses the sentry of receiving money to do the crime and threatens to punish him. That will teach you in the days to come from what you may draw profit , ill-gotten gains ruin more than they save (342-346). Consequently, the Chorus suggests that the Gods may have committed the act. Creon stops this nonsense conversation immediately and remarks that Zeus and the Gods would not honor criminals. Creon seems to believe he knows everything and stubbornly refuses to listen to others. He does not even believe Haemon his son. Haemon informs his father of the reputation he has created for himself. Creon thinks, It seems this boy (Haemon) is on the womans side (Antigone) (798). Creon refuses to believe what Haemon says and gets into an argument with him for siding with Antigone. Creon presumes that he is the one and only perfect ruler for Thebes. He believes that he can create a better city with his presence: I would not be silent if I saw ruin . I would not count any enemy of my country as a friend ,(202-206). Creon further continues by stating I will make her greater still (210). In this quote Creon declares that he will improve the city (she) by his rulings. Creon describes how his qualities make him a good ruler. Furthermore, Creon views himself as a good leader because he believes he has the best attributes and no one can compare to him. He feels he has no time for ordinary people because he is of higher standards. .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .postImageUrl , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:hover , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:visited , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:active { border:0!important; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e { 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; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:active , .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .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; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua4e42a3d745015b2f37e8d64ce4df80e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: minimum wage Essay When Creon says I will not comfort you with hope that the sentence will not be accomplished (982-983), this shows his absolute lack of compassion when he is talking with Antigone. King Creon noticed that he had a weakness in which he tries to correct but is too late. His weakness is impulsive with his decision-making. He never really sits down .