Antigone is The Tragic Hero

Antigone: The Tragic Hero

Antigone, the central figure in Sophocles' famous tragedy, has been a topic of much discussion and debate in literary circles. As a tragic hero, she embodies the ancient Greek concept of this kind of character. This essay will delve into what makes Antigone a tragic hero—her noble traits, her tragic flaw, and the consequences she faces. By examining the text and some reliable sources, it's clear that Antigone is indeed a tragic hero.

Noble Traits

Antigone's got some pretty noble qualities that make her stand out as a tragic hero. For starters, she's incredibly loyal and devoted to her family. Right from the beginning, she's dead set on burying her brother Polynices, even though King Creon forbids it. This rebellious act highlights just how loyal she is to her deceased brother and her familial duties. Aristotle in his Poetics notes that a tragic hero should have noble stature and extraordinary qualities, which Antigone clearly possesses.

Unyielding Beliefs

Furthermore, Antigone's strong commitment to her beliefs marks her as a tragic hero too. She holds that divine laws are more crucial than human laws, willing to face whatever comes her way because of this belief. Her moral integrity and determination were highly regarded in ancient Greek society. Aristotle also argues that a tragic hero must have a tragic flaw, and for Antigone, it's this unbending adherence to what she believes in.

The Tragic Flaw

This stubborn commitment leads to her downfall. As the play progresses, her defiance infuriates King Creon who sentences her to death. She's entombed alive—a grim consequence of her stubbornness and refusal to bow to authority. Her tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about needing to balance personal convictions with societal expectations.

Pity and Fear

Moreover, Antigone's fate elicits feelings of pity and fear in the audience—key components of a tragic hero. As she meets her doom, viewers can't help but feel empathy and sadness over such an unfair fate. This emotional response reinforces Antigone’s status as a tragic hero and shows how tragedy can lead to catharsis by helping audiences let go of their own negative emotions.

The Big Picture

So yeah, with all these noble traits, tragic flaws, and severe outcomes, Antigone definitely checks all the boxes for being a tragic hero. Her loyalty and dedication to what she believes are commendable but ultimately cause her downfall. Through Antigone's story, Sophocles dives into themes like morality, authority, and the fallout from rebellion. Her tale reminds us about human nature's complexities and balancing personal beliefs with social norms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Antigone's role as a tragic hero is cemented by her noble qualities, tragic flaw, and the repercussions she encounters. As an enduring piece of ancient Greek literature, "Antigone" continues engaging readers and audiences today—prompting reflection on concepts like heroism, morality, and the consequences of our actions.

• Sophocles. (441 B.C.E.). Antigone.
• Easterling P.E., & Knox B.M.W., eds., (1989). The Cambridge History of Classical Literature: Volume 1: Greek Literature. Cambridge University Press.
• Lattimore R., (1953). The Complete Greek Tragedies: Sophocles I. University of Chicago Press.
• Aristotle., & Butcher S.H., (1902). Poetics.
• Kirkwood G.M., (1958). A Study of Sophoclean Drama. Cornell University Press.