Antigone: Creon A Tragic Hero
In Sophocles’ play Antigone, the Greek playwright presents one of drama’s leading tragic heroes. Indeed, King Creon, a man of great power and esteem, like many men today, also is filled with hubris. This excessive pride causes the downfall of a man who might otherwise have discovered for himself and who may have shown others that grace and mercy, too, may be signs of a great ruler’s power. Unfortunately, Creon’s hubris reduces him to a virtually powerless and hopeless man.
Creon, the tragic hero is a man of very high rank and is respected by his people. He is “[their] new King… Creon of Thebes, Menoceus’ son” (s. I, ll. 1-2). He is a loyal man and believes that every man who is loyal ...
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Of course, conflict, both internal and external, are not strangers to men of high rank. Creon is embroiled in a difficult external struggle with his beloved son. When Haemon is first seen talking with his father, King Creon, they are arguing about Haemon’s desire to marry Antigone. The inflexible Creon does not approve and makes his “final judgment on that girl…”(s. III, l. 5). First, Haemon agrees by saying: “I am your son, Father. You are my guide. You make things clear for me, and I obey you. No marriage means more to me than your continuing wisdom” (s.III, ll.8-9). Later, however, Haemon insists that he will marry Antigone, to which Creon orders: “You’ll never marry her while she lives” (s.III, l. 118). Upon Haemon’s exit, he tells Choragus: “He shall not save [this girl] from death” (s.III, l. 138). Also, Creon faces the internal conflict regarding matters of the state, which he serves, versus matters of family obligation and personal morality, which Antigone ...
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"Antigone: Creon A Tragic Hero." Essayworld.com. October 10, 2004. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Antigone-Creon-A-Tragic-Hero/15675.
"Antigone: Creon A Tragic Hero." Essayworld.com. October 10, 2004. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Antigone-Creon-A-Tragic-Hero/15675.
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