Antigone, A Tragic Hero In Literature.

Antigone A Tragic Hero In Literature

In the short ancient Greek play entitled, Antigone by Sophocles the reader is introduced to many basic themes and most significantly the prime example of a "tragic hero" in literature, which is exceptionally well incorporated into Sophocles' Antigone. Upon reading this play I personally perceived Antigone to produce all of the characteristics of a tragic hero.

First off, it is very obvious that Antigone is a highly respected character as the play title is bearing her name. She would seem to fit the part in light of the fact that she dies in doing what is morally right. She buries her brother without any regard of what might possibly happen to her.

Some people would probably argue to say that Creon deserves the honor and is truly the tragic hero of the play. They say that his noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted.

Nikiforos Lytras, Antigone in front of the dead Po...

Cadmus Sowing the Dragon's teeth, by Maxfield Parr...

This image was first published in the 1 st (1876&n...

They also argue that Antigone never produced a true epiphany, one of the key elements in being a tragic hero. Creon, on the other hand, realized his mistake when Teiresias made his prophecy. He is forced to live, knowing that three people are dead because of his ignorance, which is a punishment worse than death. Although it is true that both Creon and Antigone endure great hardships, I still firmly believe that Antigone is the tragic hero. I feel that the Gods were actually against Creon, and that he did not truly love his country. " These arguments, and many others, lead me to believe the character of Antigone to be the rightful protagonist.

I view Antigone as the hero for many reasons. First of all, she tries to help her brother without worrying about what will happen to her. She says, "I...