Antigone Tragic Hero Essay

According to Aristotle, the fate of this tragic hero is not entirely deserved. In “Antigone” by Sophocles, Antigone faced with punishment for burying her brother possesses all of the qualities of a tragic hero. This poem is centered in the city of Thebes where after the war between Antigone’s brothers Eteocles and Polyneices, the new King, King Creon grants the burial of Eteocles and bans the burial of Polyneices whom he believes is a traitor, thus leaving his body to be picked by animals. Antigone learning of this inhumane order by the King and her devotion to her family decides to go against King Creon's orders and buries her brother anyway. Eventually she is caught and punished to death in a rock sealed vault. By time Creon realizes his mistake Antigone commits suicide leading to the death of his son and wife. The tragic hero in “Antigone” is Antigone

Her loyalty and devotion to her family goes against her better judgment to follow orders. Antigone goes to her sister, Ismene in the beginning of the play to inform Ismene of her plan and to ask for help in burying their brother, although Ismene is fearful of the consequences and rejects her offer. Antigone infuriated tells her sister,”Is he not my brother, and yours, whether you like it or not? I shall never desert him, never”(lines 39-40). According to Aristotle a tragic hero demonstrates excessive pride, this is supported by the actions of Antigone. Antigone expresses her adherence towards her brother by defying the King's orders, but she could care less as long as her brother is given a proper burial. When she is caught and asked if she really did it she clarifies,”I do admit it, I do not deny it… lie there unburied, then I could not have borne it”(lines 371 and 393). Although Antigone is aware of the penalty she willingly admits to her crime, further revealing her bravery and