In the start of the tragedy Antigone, Oedipus has died already. Polyneices and Eteocles, the two sons of Oedipus, are at Thebes, competing for the throne. The two brothers kill each other, making Creon the leader of Thebes. With Creons newfound power, he makes Polyneices stay on the battlefield to die. Antigone, Oedipus daughter, is left with a difficult dilemma between state and family. In the end, she chooses family. Antigone is truly a tragic hero, because her arrogance leads to her eventual downfall. At the start of the play, Antigone is Oedipuss daughter. Oedipus suffers his own tragedy in the stories before this one. Antigone is also Oedipus half brother, since Oedipus married his mother. Antigone's own tragedy is still in motion.
Antigone needs the help of her sister, Ismene. Ismenes submissive and timid personality makes Antigone dismiss it, an example of Antigone's tragic trait. Antigone does eventually bury her brother, but is caught by Creon. Antigone wins the support of Thebes with her selfless actions for her family. Even though the people of Thebes supports Creon still had her executed Antigone. The tragedy begins to develop as Antigone's actions have achieved her the respect of the common man, but is unquestionably soon to bring her downfall.
Antigone's downfall is caused by her own actions, though many feel pity for her because of her personal situation with her uncle as the leader of Thebes. Her downfall does destroy Creon, whos a sinner in every way. Antigone also shows signs of arrogance. Her excessive independence is exemplified when Ismene returned to stand along side Antigone, but Antigone rejects Ismene.
Antigone was right to defy the king. The kings rule was unjust in the eyes of Antigone. Antigone tries to bury her brother, who asked Antigone, in Oedipus at Colonus, to give him a proper burial if he was killed in battle. Antigone was fulfilling a promise she gave her brother and a creditable one. Event thought it was against the will of Creon, the king, Antigone was right to defy this law.
There is a distinction between the laws of man and the laws of god. The laws of men are created for the survival and justice of human rights. Gods laws usual dont keep up with the modern times, and are not usually equal depending on race, sex, and religious institution one may belong to.
The story of Antigone is a classic Greek tragedy, a continuation of the epic tragedy that falls on Oedipus and his family. Moreover, Antigone herself was a definite tragic hero, fitting every requirement and marked by every characteristic of a tragic hero. Despite her failings and downfall, justice of the human spirit shines through in the end, marking the story as a true tragedy: Creon is defeated by his own actions, and Antigone's own tragic death marks the beginning of that defeat. Quoting directly from the notes on classical tragedy, Antigone does indeed satisfy that requirement as a tragic play.
Already have an account? Log In Now
5945