Antigone, one of the most famous plays by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, tells the story of a young woman who goes against the king's orders to bury her brother, who died fighting against their own city. Antigone's actions lead to her tragic end, making her a classic example of a tragic hero. In this essay, we'll look at what makes a tragic hero and how Antigone fits that role. By examining Antigone's fatal flaw, her fierce loyalty to her family, we'll see the tragic elements of her character that lead to her downfall.
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'A Tragic Hero in Sophocles' Antigone'
Antigone's loyalty to her family is her big flaw, the thing that brings about her tragic end. Throughout the play, she sticks to her decision to bury her brother, even if it means facing death. This strong loyalty is clear in her talk with her sister Ismene, where she says, "I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory" (Sophocles 55). This quote shows Antigone's determination to honor her brother and her willingness to face the consequences, even if it means her own death.
Also, Antigone's loyalty to her family is different from the loyalty of other characters in the play, like Creon, the king of Thebes. Creon's loyalty is to the state and its laws, which he thinks must be followed no matter what. He sees Antigone's actions as a threat to the city's stability and orders her execution. This clash between Antigone's family loyalty and Creon's loyalty to the state sets up the tragic conflict that happens throughout the play.
Antigone's flaw is not just her loyalty to her family but also her refusal to compromise her beliefs. She thinks that divine law, or the laws of the gods, are more important than human law. This is shown in her talk with Creon, where she says, "Nor did I think your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions" (Sophocles 78). Antigone's strong belief in divine law makes her defy Creon's order and bury her brother, despite the consequences.
Antigone's refusal to compromise her beliefs leads to her tragic end. She is captured and brought before Creon, who gives her a chance to save herself by renouncing her actions. But Antigone remains firm in her beliefs and says, "But if I had allowed my own brother to rot, an unburied corpse, that would have been an offense" (Sophocles 92). This refusal to back down leads to her death as she is sentenced to be buried alive.
It's through Antigone's fatal flaw, her strong loyalty to her family and refusal to compromise her beliefs, that we see the tragic parts of her character. Her actions cause her own downfall and the destruction of those around her. The play is a warning, showing the dangers of unchecked loyalty and the consequences of defying the state.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Antigone's character in Sophocles' play Antigone is a perfect example of a tragic hero. Her fatal flaw, her strong loyalty to her family and refusal to compromise her beliefs, leads to her tragic end. Through her actions, we see the tragic consequences of unchecked loyalty and the clash between divine law and human law. Antigone's story is a timeless reminder of the dangers of unwavering devotion and the tragic consequences that can come from it. As readers, we are left to think about the broader meanings of the play and consider the balance between loyalty and the greater good.
