Antigone Essay, Research Paper
Antigone
The debate over who is the tragic hero in Antigone continue on to this
day. The belief that Antigone is the hero is a strong one. There are
many critics who believe, however, that Creon, the Ruler of Thebes, is
the true protagonist. I have made my own judgments also, based on what I
have researched of this work by Sophocles. Antigone is widely thought of
as the tragic hero of the play bearing her name. She would seem to fit
the part in light of the fact that she dies in doing what is right. She
buries her brother without worrying what might happen to her. She “Takes
into consideration death and the reality that may be beyond death”
(Hathorn 59). Those who do believe that Antigone was meant to be the
true tragic hero argue against others who believe that Creon deserves
that honor. They say that the Gods were against Creon, and that he did
not truly love his country. “His patriotism is to narrow and negative
and his conception of justice is too exclusive… to be dignified by the
name of love for the state” (Hathorn 59). These arguments, and many
others, make many people believe the Antigone is the rightful
protagonist. Many critics argue that Creon is the tragic hero of
Antigone. They say that his noble quality is his caring for Antigone and
Ismene when thier father was persecuted. Those who stand behind Creon
also argue that Antigone never had a true epiphany, a key element 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. My opinion on this debate is that Antigone is the tragic
hero. She tries to help her brother without worrying about what will
happen to her. She says, “I intend to give my brother burial. I’ll be
glad to die in the attempt, -if it’s a crime, then it’s a crime that God
commands” (Sophocles 4). She was also punished for doing what was right.
Her epiphany came, hidden from the audience, before she hung herself.
Creon’s “nobleness” of taking in young Antigone and Ismene is
overshadowed by his egotistical nature. He will not allow justice to
come about simply because he wants to protect his image. He says, “If
she gets away with this behavior, call me a woman and call her a man”
(Sophocles 13). These elements prove that Antigone is the tragic hero.
Creon, understanding his ignorance may lead one to believe that he is
the true protagonist. But, if you define the word protagonist you would
find that a protagonist is one who is a leader or supporter of a cause.
Antigone is in support of her own actions in the burial of her brother
Polyneices. She entrusts that she is doing what the Gods want, contrary
to the belief of Creon. Many readers and critics may say Creon suffered
greator hardships. Some may say Antigone never had an epiphany. Who
would understand it if their own brother were left to the birds and
dogs. There would be no rational thinking involved in a act like this.
These are arguments envolved in deciding who is the tragic hero of
Antigone. Critics, to this day, still argue about who is the tragic hero
of Antigone. Many say that Antigone is the heroin. Others say that it is
Creon. My research favors Antigone as the perfect protagonist. No matter
who the reader sides with, it is agreed by most that there is a valid
argument either way, in light of the fact that they both endure great
hardships.