The True Tragic Hero of Creon in Sophocles Antigone Essay -- Papers S

The True Tragic Hero of Creon in Sophocles AntigoneThere has ever been a great debate over who is the true tragic paladin in Sophocles Antigone. Many scholars would stake claim to Antigone take ining all the necessary flakeistics of a true tragic hero, but many others would argue that Creon holds many qualities as well. It is hard to discount Antigone as a tragic hero, because in fact, the licentiousness bears her name, but from careful reading, Creon meets Aristotles criteria exactly and fits perfectly into the social function. In order to finalize whether or not Creon is the true tragic hero, one must dish out the question What is a Tragic Hero? In Aristotles Poetics, he discusses the canonical criteria regarding a tragic hero. Aristotle states that tragic heroes must have a high spot or social position characters must not be perfect, although, the character is pre-eminently good they must have a single brand that brings about their own demise and that of the othe rs around them. Aristotle also mentions another fiber of a tragic hero, which is that the character arouses pity in the audience normally because the penalization exceeds the crime and the hero is alive to face his brave outing in order to achieve some self-recognition. After reviewing all these critera, it should be derive that Creon is the true tragic hero.First, Aristotle suggests that a tragic hero must consider a ?high? status position, but must also possess nobility and virtue as part of the heros character. Creon fits this description quite accurately. At the beginning of the play in the Time and Scene section, it says that, ?Creon, is now magnate of Thebes.? This quote shows that he occupies a strong status position and altitude of nobility. Creon also pro... ...h ruler and should be punished in the same question that he ruled. Creon made a choice, a choice he fantasy was the right one. It turned out that this choice warranted an unjustly punishment. Creon ?s punishment exceeds the crime is one who has excessive pride and arrogance, like many of us, to suffer a lonely and hated life? Should we pity him? Creon fits all of Aristotle?s criteria to perfection. He is a good king with a high stature, although he is not perfect in his actions. The excessive pride sets the stage for his study flaw. This pride leads to his downfall and that of his family. Creon reaches a period of recognition for his actions. Lastly, his punishment was to a fault harsh compared to his crime. According to Aristotle, Creon is a striking match to fit the role of a tragic hero.Works CitedSophocles. Antigone. Trans. D. W. Myatt. 1994.