Antigone

Antigone;

The Tragic Hero

Antigone is a classic work that never ceases to be analyzed by critics and students around the world. The debate over who is the real tragic hero of Sophocles’ play Antigone is a topic that is heavily discussed. To this day there is still no agreement. Some people believe that Antigone is the real tragic hero of this tragedy, while others believe that the hero is in fact her uncle, Creon. It is logical to say that Antigone is the tragic hero of Antigone more so than Creon because she is a likeable character, extracts pity from the audience, and her plight affects many.

To begin, Creon’s character is less likeable to the audience. From his very first lines in the play it is established that he believes that his royalty makes him superior to all. “No man can be fully known, in soul and spirit and mind, until he hath been seen versed in rule and law-giving”(Oates 278). He makes it clear to everyone that he has the final say in matters of the land. He makes the laws and everyone else has to abide by them. Creon thinks that if the gods give him the power make up any law he so pleases that it is obvious that it shall be followed because it is their will that he rule. In this play, the audience knows, even if not a t first, that Antigone is right in her actions and Creon is wrong. Creon knows deep down inside that he is wrong. However he does not want to be known for backing down to a woman. “In Greek, the word translated as I obey actually mean I get myself persuaded”. (Classic Pages 1). Creon would be ashamed if he were to “obey” a woman.

Antigone on the other hand is seen as a “do gooder”. She wants to bury her brother, not to offend anyone or even disobey anyone but to give him a burial that he deserves because she loves him. She knows the consequences, but is noble enough to be selfless at a time like this. She instantly gains love from the audience this way. After Antigone has done the unlawful deed, her sister, Ismene, tries to say that she took part. Antigone will not have this. She is willing to take full responsibility. “Nay, Justice will not suffer thee to do that…Share not thou my death, nor claim deeds to which thou hast not put thy hand: my death will suffice” (Oates 284). This, coupled with the fact that when face to face with Creo...

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... turned out that he lost more by punishing her. He needed the help of the Chorus and his own son to make him realize that he was wrong. Antigone knew what position she should take from the beginning, and it proved to be the right one in the end. While his characteristics are relevant to the plot, they only complement those of Antigone. There is no doubt that Antigone is the tragic hero of the play. She is a likeable character whose deeds earn a merit of admiration from all. Then, she touches the emotions of the reader because of her suffering. Also, she affects everyone in the play in some way. She adds depth to the resolution of the story. “Antigone’s action is ultimately more heroic; she defies the power of the state out of love for her brother and faith in her conscience. The gods themselves validate her position” (Classic Pages 9). At times stubborn and offensive, she is nevertheless the character who has always captured the imaginations of the audience since the play's first presentation many years ago. Her deeds go beyond the possibilities of normal human action, as she sets her individual conscience and her love for her dead brother above and against the power of her ruler.