Creon The Tragic Hero of Sophocles Antigone Essay -- Essays Papers

Creon The Tragic Hero of Sophocles AntigoneEvery Greek tragedy must have a sad hero. In Sophocles play, Antigone, the most tragic hero is Creon. He is an essentially good man of high fix who takes pride in his role as king. He possesses the tragic blemishs of unwarranted pride and an oversized ego. This causes the tragic reversal that leads to his emotional ruin and eventual(prenominal) remorse and repentance. As King of Thebes, Creon is forced to make difficult decisions. As a new ruler, he feels it is necessary to prove himself to his citizens, therefore he rules his state with a firm hand. He believes that Polyneices should not be bury because he was a traitor to his country and family. Creon knew this decision would be unspoken on some people, but did not anticipate how greatly it would presume his niece, Antigone. Because Antigone goes against Creons will and law and buries her brother, she forces him into a position where he again has to make a difficult decision. He mu st choose to despatch his own family member and uphold the law, or punish her less staidly and show that he was wrong in a previous decision. Creons pride does not allow him show leniency toward Antigone, and he arrogantly defends his decision by stating, whoever may be the man appointed by the city, that man must be obeyed in everything, little or great, simply or un exclusively (line 608). Creons arrogance and pride is the tragic flaw that leads to his inevitable downfall. He does not hand down a just sent...