Antigone Essay, Research Paper

Antigone

The debate over who is the tragic hero in Antigone continue on to this

day. The belief that Antigone is the hero is a strong one. There are

many critics who believe, however, that Creon, the Ruler of Thebes, is

the true protagonist. I have made my own judgments also, based on what I

have researched of this work by Sophocles. Antigone is widely thought of

as the tragic hero of the play bearing her name. She would seem to fit

the part in light of the fact that she dies in doing what is right. She

buries her brother without worrying what might happen to her. She “Takes

into consideration death and the reality that may be beyond death”

(Hathorn 59). Those who do believe that Antigone was meant to be the

true tragic hero argue against others who believe that Creon deserves

that honor. They say that the Gods were against Creon, and that he did

not truly love his country. “His patriotism is to narrow and negative

and his conception of justice is too exclusive… to be dignified by the

name of love for the state” (Hathorn 59). These arguments, and many

others, make many people believe the Antigone is the rightful

protagonist. Many critics argue that Creon is the tragic hero of

Antigone. They say that his noble quality is his caring for Antigone and

Ismene when thier father was persecuted. Those who stand behind Creon

also argue that Antigone never had a true epiphany, a key element in

being a tragic hero. Creon, on the other hand, realized his mistake when

Teiresias made his prophecy. He is forced to live, knowing that three

people are dead because of his ignorance, which is a punishment worse

than death. My opinion on this debate is that Antigone is the tragic

hero. She tries to help her brother without worrying about what will

happen to her. She says, “I intend to give my brother burial. I’ll be

glad to die in the attempt, -if it’s a crime, then it’s a crime that God

commands” (Sophocles 4). She was also punished for doing what was right.

Her epiphany came, hidden from the audience, before she hung herself.

Creon’s “nobleness” of taking in young Antigone and Ismene is

overshadowed by his egotistical nature. He will not allow justice to

come about simply because he wants to protect his image. He says, “If

she gets away with this behavior, call me a woman and call her a man”

(Sophocles 13). These elements prove that Antigone is the tragic hero.

Creon, understanding his ignorance may lead one to believe that he is

the true protagonist. But, if you define the word protagonist you would

find that a protagonist is one who is a leader or supporter of a cause.

Antigone is in support of her own actions in the burial of her brother

Polyneices. She entrusts that she is doing what the Gods want, contrary

to the belief of Creon. Many readers and critics may say Creon suffered

greator hardships. Some may say Antigone never had an epiphany. Who

would understand it if their own brother were left to the birds and

dogs. There would be no rational thinking involved in a act like this.

These are arguments envolved in deciding who is the tragic hero of

Antigone. Critics, to this day, still argue about who is the tragic hero

of Antigone. Many say that Antigone is the heroin. Others say that it is

Creon. My research favors Antigone as the perfect protagonist. No matter

who the reader sides with, it is agreed by most that there is a valid

argument either way, in light of the fact that they both endure great

hardships.