Antigone

Sophocles’ theme is traversed throughout the trilogy showing how Sophocles views a tragic hero. It is essential to first know the background information behind Antigone in order to fully comprehend the story. Two new characters are introduced in the previous play, Oedipus in Colonus. The story, Oedipus Rex, leaves off with Creon banishing Oedipus from Thebes. Because of his suffering, Oedipus exits Thebes as a humbled and god-centered individual. At the time, society expected the son to foster the wellbeing of a parent, especially if he or she was disabled. Neither Polyneices nor Eteocles desired to attend to their father’s protection. Antigone, the elder and zealous daughter, decides to risk her life to protect her father due to the duty of the gods and her family. Oedipus’ guilt has been revealed publicly thus creating anxiety within the people that the guilt will spread. Oedipus and Antigone arrive in shambles and rags at a grove in Colonus located just outside of Athens. This again shows the humility of Oedipus for he chose not to reign as king in Corinth. Subsequently, a stranger arrives informing the visitors that the grave is sacred and a dedication to the Furies and that the King of Athens is an amiable and generous ruler named Theseus. Oedipus replies to the stranger to notify Theseus asking him for permission to reside in the grove. This brings confusion to the Chorus, representing the citizens of Colonus, and they ask Oedipus the reason of dwelling in the sacred grove. The identity of Oedipus is revealed to the Chorus and they are horrified that he may bring a moral pollution. Antigone interjects pointing out that Oedipus is carrying the guilt alone and that his suffering was an act of sanctification. Un...

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...one still continues to strive and propose a proper burial for her brother. Similarly, this is also seen with Creon, where also seen before, he wishes the best for Thebes and strives to accomplish that in spite of the reprimands of Antigone, the Choragos, Haimon, and Teiresias. Both tragic heroes had similar mindsets throughout all the circumstances of the story making them credible for the position.

In order to fully portray his view, Sophocles uses both Creon and Antigone as they function together as a tragic hero, none overtaking the other. Creon’s pride impedes but at the end, he brings shame upon himself. Antigone’s pride and wayward nature was valued by the people, and she desired what was best for her family and the moral sovereignty of the gods. Both characters depict Sophocles’ interpretation as a tragic hero by their characteristics and actions.