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 November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Antigone-Creon-A-Tragic-Hero/15675.
"Antigone: Creon A Tragic Hero." Essayworld.com. October 10, 2004. Accessed November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Antigone-Creon-A-Tragic-Hero/15675.
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