Antigone
According to Aristotle, "Tragedy, then, is an imitation of a noble and complete action, having the proper magnitude...; it is presented in dramatic, not narrative form, and achieves, through the representation of pitiable and fearful incidents, the catharsis of such incidents" (Golden 11). Using the criteria established by Aristotle in Poetics, "Antigone" by Sophocles displays the qualities of a tragedy. The principle character engages in an immense moral struggle (ending in death). Catharsis is accomplished through the catastrophic consequences of the main character's actions. Throughout the play, the viewer experiences pity and fear for a number of the characters. In the opening scene, a conversation between Antigone and her sister Ismene introduces us to the folly that has befallen their family. They allow us to see that prior to their current circumstance, they have greatly suffered. Their mother has committed suicide. Their father, King Oedipus, has cast himself to exile. The gods have had no mercy upon their lives. War broke out between their two brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles. Polyneices invades against the city of Thebes, to regain the throne. Eteocles, who was the legitimate heir, goes to
It is implied that the same fate may not have befallen a man. We learn later in their conversation that Antigone has no mind to obey the law of a mortal man, but will cling to the laws of the Gods. Antigone, on the other hand, is in support of her own actions in the burial of her brother. During battle the two brothers were slain, "by their hands dealing mutual death" (1. He sees his wrong doing through the loss of his son and wife, not through virtue. the play bears her name rather than Creon's, even though she disappears halfway through the action; indeed, some commentators have suggested the play should be named after Creon, but the specter of Antigone hovers over the play after her entombment, and it is she who has the determination, strength of character, and willingness to accept her fate-characteristics heretofore reserved for heroes. I think that Creon lacked the clarity within himself to support his wishes. It is difficult, under these circumstances, to pity Creon. His actions are premeditated in his pride. Antigone's defiance against the state is defiance against Creon. The play "Anigone" by Sophocles meets the criteria that would classify it as a Greek tragedy. The chorus brings light on Zeus when the guard tells Creon of the covered body. Proponents of this view also point out that Creon had an epiphany while realizing that he made a mistake when Teiresias made his prophecy.
Common topics in this essay:
King Polyneices,
Creon Anitigone's,
God's Creon,
Antigone Sophocles,
Antigone Ismene,
Homer Joyce,
Aristotle Tragedy,
Eteocles Polyneices,
Anigone Sophocles,
King Oedipus,
tragic hero,
creon tragic hero,
hero play,
noble quality,
throughout play,
play creon,
pity fear,
law creon,
proper burial,
obey law mortal,
tragic hero play,
obey law,
antigone ismene,
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Acceptance Essays
