The Responsibility Of The Hero In Sophocles 'Antigone'

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Sarabeth Hogan English 102 15 September 2015 Antigone Most every piece of literature has a hero- a protagonist that overcomes challenges and prevails (usually) during the climax- giving us a moral or theme to chew over, maybe even a character to admire. Sophocles gave us Antigone in his piece, named after the hero herself, Antigone. Antigone is portrayed as a strong, independent type; let’s not forget feminist, as well. She defies her King openly in order to fulfil her beliefs and is prepared for the consequences. Her actions require mighty bravery, indeed- but would you call her your hero? Antigone held on tightly to her virtue and integrity even in the face of death- perhaps deliberately bringing it upon herself. Antigone keeps true…show more content…
Antigone now has a death sentence, Ismene is not without punishment, and her fiancé is without a bride. Hindsight is surely the best perspective, but Antigone acted so rash there was no room left for another solution once the ball started rolling. It could be said Antigone’s reaction to the king set the motion of the consequences to this tragedy. On the surface Creon is to blame, naturally. He is the antagonist, it is he who sent Antigone to her death and brought trouble to the kingdom. Creon finally admits, “Woe is me! To none else can they lay it, This guilt, but to me! I, I was the slayer, I say it, Unhappy, of thee! O bear me, haste ye, spare not, To the ends of earth, More nothing than they who were not In the hour of birth!” (50-51) Creon now blames himself, he realizes his mistake in not consulting the senators, and for condemning Antigone so hastily despite her just reasoning. However, if it were not for one little detail we could blame Creon to the fullest: why did Antigone commit suicide? The loss of Antigone provoked additional…show more content…
Make a statement; go out with a bang. Let those who were wrong suffer the consequences of their actions, let the Heavens say who is righteous and who is not. She set a precedence for spiritual tradition to rule over the land instead of one man. Antigone sacrificed herself to us something to believe in. The story ended tragically, but when the bindings worn and the last page is turned softly closed, you feel inspired. Maybe a little empty, but also a little fuller. The Chorus sang, “Wisdom first for a man’s well-being Maketh of all

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