antigone
Many critics feel that in the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, there are two characters that can be considered the tragic hero. Antigone and Creon both display many characteristics that would label them the tragic hero. Creon's actions are against the will of the gods, and this is why he cannot be the tragic hero of Antigone. In his literary criticism of the play, Brian Vickers presents a similar feeling, "Creon is brutal and Antigone is thoroughly admirable." This idea proves true throughout the play. It is eveident that Antigone's actions are driven by a love for her brother, and a desire to please the gods. While Creon's actions are founded in his quest for more power and complete control over the city of Thebes and its people. Creon's brutality can best be illustrated by looking at the way his citezens, other than Antigone, react to his laws. One example is the way Ismene talks about Creon when she is trying to convince Antigone not to bury Polyneices. She tells Antigone, "We must obey them (the laws)...I yield to those with authority. (Sophocles)" The people of Thebes obey his laws purely out of fear of Creon, and the respect owed to a king. Antigone is no
Those who argue that Creon was only trying to protect and preserve the city extend this idea too far. To use this as a reason for Creon's actions that have nothing to do with protecting Thebes is rediculous. Yes Creon had a great love for the city of Thebes, but this is not a reason for having a close family member executed for putting her brother to rest. In his book, Aspects of Literature James Hathorn addresses this thought. He says "His (Creon) patriotism is too narrow and negative, and his conseption of justice is too exclusive...to be considered love for the state (Hathorn, 59)." t disrespectful of Creon but she also is not afraid of his brutality. Even if she were afraid of Creon it still would not have changed her actions because she answers to a higher power, the gods. Literary critics are not the only ones that show Antigone is admirable. There are several instances in the play itself where one can see firsthand the basis for Antigone's decisions. Early in the play Antigone says, "I intend to give my brother a burial. I'll be glad to die in the attempt, -if it's a crime then it's a crime the gods command." This quote enhances several characteristics of Antigone. The fact that she would be glad to die just to bury him illustrates how deep her love is for her brother. It also shows us that although she defied the laws of Creon, it was only in an effort to please the gods. During this time period pleasing the gods was considered the most important aspect of life. Antigone is in support of hr own actions. In burying her brother Polyneices she entrusts that she is doing what the gods want, contrary to the beliefs of Creon. Creon's love for the city-state cause him to abandon all other beliefs. He tries to enforce this upon the people of Thebes. He wants them to think that h
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Approximate Word count = 1222
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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