The True Tragic Hero of Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

Antigone The True Tragic Hero Antigone, is the drama scripted by Sohpocles. There is still a dandy debate on who is the true tragic hero in Sophocles Antigone, Creon or Antigone. Many pack believes that it must be Antigone, herself. This is because Antigone is an outstanding example of someone who did what she thought was right, firearm she was among fools, many hardships, and people who were discouragingly uncourageous. When the king Creon ordered that the body of Polyneices, Antigones brother, be left to rot unburied because he had died as a traitor, she try to buried him even she knew that she would be punished. She believed that a dead persons soul could non substitute if that persons body was not buried so she chooses to challenge a powerful Creon, the king of Thebes in order to let her brother rest peacefully. This presents a huge problem for Antigone she feels she must obey the laws of the gods and bury her brother, further the penalty would be earthly demise. To me, Antigone is a hero, what she did for her brother was very respectful, not many could have the strength to do so in the uniform situation. However, I believe the true tragic hero in Sophocles Antigone is Creon, not Antigone. Creon, as king of Thebes, is at the top of the social ladder. Yet, not solely is he king, he is also human and possesses frailties, which qualify him to make serious-minded mistakes, and he possesses talents, which allow him also to excel. Hence, Creon is neither overly good nor bad. Appropriately, Creons order as king place shim in a position of great power, influence and responsibility. The extent of this power was quite evident when he sentenced Antigone to death for disobeying his proclamation. Creons tragic flaw was his hubris or his pride and arrogance in the expect of divine powers. His downfall began when he denied the basic divine right of burying to Polyneices and was cemented when he condemned Antigone for her opposition to his law. When one close ly examines Antigones reasons for burying her brother, it becomes clear that she was only when demonstrating her love, honor, and loyalty to her family. However, the reason that Creon is angered is that he feels injured and insulted that Antigone flagrantly and publicly disobeyed him.