In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is one of those underserving individuals that somehow has gained admiration and applause in the world’s society. No doubt, Odysseus has heroic traits, but instead he uses them for selfish gain; ultimately causing him to prevail as a negative role model. He possesses overwhelming charisma and wit, which woven with outstanding hubris, transforms his character from a possible great Ithacan king and veteran into nothing more than an unadmirable figure of a man. Some of the most memorable and questioned escapades in the Odyssey are Odysseus’ romantic endeavors. Indisputably, these rendezvous are a result of Odysseus’ unparalleled charisma.
Antigone the Tragic Hero In the play “Antigone”, Antigone is the tragic hero because she comes from nobility, suffers from a character flaw and lastly, she has an unhappy ending. Antigone was a very courageous character in this story. She chose her faith over man’s rules because she felt like it was morally correct. Antigone wanted to obey and do right by the gods. Therefore, she went against Creon’s rules (man’s rules) and buried her brother.
However, two women in the ancient societies can demonstrate the uglier side of love quite easily. The women are Medea and Dido. They each fall in love with great heros with the help of gods, and each of them made great sacrifices for the men. Medea kills her brother for Jason, which ensures that she will not be able to return back home to her family. Dido doesn’t exactly kill anyone, but she does neglect her city.
Antigone’s virtuous personality and the need to do what is right for her brother, Polyneices, is why she is considered a classical Greek tragic hero. Antigone can’t stand the fact to see her brother humiliated so she immediately takes action. Antigone runs to the town square and gives her brother a proper burial process, even though it is against king Creon’s word. She understands that if she doesn’t take action and bury her brother, she will regret it for the rest of eternity. Antigone would selflessly die for her brother’s proper burial and freedom in the afterlife because she values her family more than anything on this earth.
This is ironic as the scene is not joyful. It will not be a joyful time for Juliet but the complete opposite. Every time the scene uses the word, ‘joyful’ or ‘joy’ irony is present because the situation is everything but joyful. When Lady Capulet swears to ‘have vengeance’ for Tybalt’s death and send a man to Mantua to poison Romeo, Juliet replies, “Indeed I never shall be satisfied, With Romeo, till I behold him- dead- Is my poor heart, So for a kinsman vexed.” This quote has a double meaning as it signifies two completely different things. Lady Capulet misinterprets Juliet’s reply.
In this sense, Creon is best associated to any person who has felt the need to hold onto his reputation and other’s expectations in spite of what others may say. Some would argue that Antigone fits the role of a tragic hero better than Creon does because her situation and her defiance of the law may associate herself with the audience, but simply because she holds popularity among the audience does not necessarily mean that Antigone is the better tragic hero of the two. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero must be highly renowned in the beginning and possess a certain character weakness that will lead to his/her downfall. By comparison, Creon’s initial status and wealth in the play make him much more prosperous than Antigone, who has actually already suffered a cursed family lineage as well as the recent death of her two brothers. Though Antigone does not have much to
Third, Antigone is a wonderful example of a martyr. Her legacy will live on, and inspire many other rebels to stand up for their beliefs. Antigone dared to defy the King’s threat of death to bury her brother, and shows true family pride. The people take pity on Antigone, and feel that she should be let alone. Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed, states how the people of Thebes feel.
In Sophocles Antigone, I believe there are two protagonists. The first I could imagine would have to be Creon, with the second being Antigone. I would define “tragic hero” as by they have a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall, they have an unhappy ending, and lastly the character is worthy of concern. Antigone was a young lady who knew what she wanted and wanted to do in life, and not let any law her uncle mad to stop her from completing the task of the gods. Creon in the other hand just really had no idea what he was doing, but all he did know was that he was now the king by four of his blood line and just wanted to fallow what the laws where.
Tragic Hero Essay A heroic figure that possesses a character flaw which eventually leads up to his or her defeat is know as a tragic hero. This character is known to be both good and noble, but suffers many flaws that do not bring out the best traits that he or she has. In the play “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, Marcus Brutus qualifies to a high extent as the tragic hero. One of Brutus’ flaws has was that he had a lust for power. Others easily manipulated him into any situation, which resulted in him joining the conspiracy.
The fact that Antigone is now alone is this process does not slow her down at all; not even after Ismene warns her that the consequence of her actions could be death. “Our own death would be if we should go against Creon.” (Line 46, Pg 774). Due to Ismene’s lack of help, Antigone is feeling betrayed by her sister, but will continue on without her. “But as for me, I will bury the brother I love.” (Line 69, Pg 774). Later on when Antigone has buried her brother, Polynieces, she created yet another betrayal; this time on King Creon.