Creon, the Tragic Hero Essay - 1663 Words

In the story of Antigone, an argument of who is the tragic hero between Antigone and Creon exists. I firmly believe Creon is the tragic hero of the play. Creon becomes the typical fallen hero in Greek drama. He faces many conflicts, internally and externally, and undergoes quite a bit of painful emotions. One might say Antigone should receive the title of being the tragic hero, but Creon plays a more significant role by learning his lesson the hard way and ending up as the classic tragic hero who loses everything at the end of the dramatic play. There has always been much controversy between who the tragic hero is in the play. A tragic hero is a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with†¦show more content†¦Through this quote the reader realizes that Creon wants obedience in everything he decides even if he is at fault. Creon gives the impression that he feels that there is nothing worse than disobedience to authority, even if the authority is wrong. This further supports Creons belief that everyone shall remain faithful to him even if he rules unfairly. Creon has forgotten that the ruler is supposed to do what is best for the city and its citizens. â€Å"Creon is under the impression that he is always correct in his judgments and his beliefs,† (Graves 46). Before the sentry even explains the event that has occurred, the sentry states that he is only a messenger and has not committed the crime, Creon still accuses the sentry of receiving money to do the crime and threatens to punish him. Consequently, the Chorus suggests that the Gods may have committed the act. Creon stops this nonsense conversation immediately and remarks that Zeus and the Gods would not honor criminals. This shows how Creon is able to make accusations against any person and punish them without rhyme or reason, knowing in his mind that he is correct. It also shows that Creon is quick to shut out, or brush off, those who may disobey his power of authority in the city. Creon seems to believe he knows everything and stubbornly refuses to listen to others. He does not even believe Haemon, his son. Haemon informs his father of the reputation he hasShow MoreRelatedCreon as Tragic Hero1586 Words   |  7 PagesIn the Greek play Antigone, Creon and Antigone can both be claimed the title of Tragic Hero. Creon was made king when Oedipus Rex fled the kingship. Creon is the brother in law of Oedipus, and was giving the kingship only because Oedipus’s sons, Eteocles and Polyneices were killed trying to fight for the thrown. Antigone is Oedipus’s daughter and Creon’s niece. When it comes down to who the tragic hero is, Creon most definitely walks away with the title. A tragic hero by definition is ordinary personRead MoreCreon as the Tragic Hero of an802 Words   |  4 PagesGreek tragedy would not be complete with out a tragic hero. Sophocles wrote Antigone with a specific character in mind for this part. Based on Aristotles definition, Creon is the tragic hero of Antigone. Creon fits Aristotles tragic hero traits as a significant person who is faced with difficult decisions. Creon is significant because he is king. This makes him both renowned and prosperous. Creon is not completely good nor completely bad; he is somewhere in-between, as humans are. The audienceRead MoreCreon The Tragic Hero1005 Words   |  5 PagesA tragic hero is defined in most cases as a literary character of great stature whose moral defect leads to tragedy but some self-awareness brings the character to make the right decision (World Literatures). That is why although Antigone portrays many characteristics of a tragic hero, the real tragic hero of this play is Creon. A tragic hero in the Greek world is very different from our perceptive of a hero in the modern world. When today’s society thinks of a hero they think of superpowers andRead MoreCreon As A Tragic Hero In SophoclesAntigone1509 Words   |  7 PagesIn Poetics, Aristotle describes a tragic character as someon e who experiences an error in judgement, experiences a reversal of fortune due to the error, has an excessive pride, and receives a fate much greater than what is deserved. In Sophocles’ Antigone, many would argue that Creon is the tragic hero of the play. However, he is not alone as the recipient of tragedy. A young woman by the name of Antigone also fits the characteristics for being considered a tragic heroine. A key element in the tragedyRead MoreCreon As A Tragic Hero Essay1650 Words   |  7 Pages Orens English 10H 26 October 2017 What makes tragic heroes different from an ordinary hero? A tragic hero is a character who is complex by nature, having the ability to give off distinctive impressions to different readers. Creon, king of Thebes, is the tragic hero in Sophocles’ â€Å"Antigone† who can be perceived as the antagonist on account of his behavior. One can say that Creon’s decision to prosecute Antigone for burying her brother made Creon look like the enemy. However, with further examinationRead MoreCreon Is a Tragic Hero Essay1492 Words   |  6 PagesThe Hero, Creon Aristotle once said, regarding his principles that a certain character is a tragic hero, A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall. This quotation is an accurate statement regarding the actions between Creon in the beginning of the play, and at the end once he has lost his family. A tragic hero is defined as a character of noble stature, the hero is imperfect allowing the audience to relate to him, as well as the hero’s downfall is caused by hisRead MoreCreon Is The Tragic Hero Of Antigone734 Words   |  3 Pages The civil war is over. After the tragic death of the Oedipus, everyone would take the throne from one year to the next. Creon orders Eteocles to be buried with full honors, while Polynices body is left to rot. Creon says that â€Å"anyone who attempts to bury Polynices shall be publicly stoned to death† (Sophocles 57). Antigone has disobeyed the decree and has been sentenced to death. While Antigone is awaiting execution, the blind prophet, Tiresias, informs Creon that he has angered the gods. BasedRead MoreCreon : The Tragic Hero In SophoclesAntigone886 Words   |  4 Pagesit presents a certain type of hero or heroine who is neither completely good nor completely bad† (â€Å"What is† 739). He or she must also be â€Å"highly renowned and prosperous,† have a tragic flaw, learn a lesson, and suffer greatly (â€Å"What is† 739). Therefore, in Antigone by Sophocles, Creon is the tragic hero because he is a king who has the tragic flaw of pride, learns to respect god’s law, and suffers more than he deserves. The first thing that makes Creon a tragic hero is his pride. When the ChoragosRead MoreCreon: A Tragic Hero in Antigone606 Words   |  2 Pagesqualifications of a tragic hero vary between Aristotle and Shakespeare. Aristotle thinks of a tragic hero as someone who is a noble character by choice and makes his/her own destiny, while Shakespeare sees a tragic hero as someone who is born of nobility and born to be important. Although both tragic heros end in a tragic death that effects many people, not all tragic heros fit perfectly into both categories. In Sophocles’ Antigone, Creon is considered a tragic hero. Creon follows Aristotles definitionRead MoreEssay about Creon the Tragic Hero931 Words   |  4 Pagesplay Antigone by Sophocles,one could easily be lead to believe Antigone is the the tragic hero when in fact a strong case can be made that Creon, the king of Thebes, is actually the tragic hero. In believing that Creon is the tragic hero it would seem practical to call the play Creon rather than Antigone. On the other hand, naming the play Antigone gives the play a twist that leads the audience into a dynamically tragic journey through the lives of a prestigious royal family and it gives birth to thoughts