The word tragedy is often misused in modern times. In the media and news it is often used to describe any unfortunate occurrence. In it’s original definition, tragedy is actually much more specific than this. The tragic hero of the play “Antigone” is not Antigone. Contrary to initial intuitions it is actually Creon. At first glance we may think of Antigone as the hero of the play. However, a tragic hero is much different than a “hero”. A tragic hero is a character who comes to his or her downfall through their own faulty actions. A tragic hero has a tragic flaw that causes deep loss, and in the end they see that their actions are the cause for this. A tragic hero must begin in a place of power.
With this definition we can see that Creon is indeed the tragic hero of the play. He is the king of Thebes. By the end of the play he loses both his wife and his son. His tragic flaw? Pride. He is too proud to think more deeply about his decision to punish Antigone and listen more intently to what other people had to say about it. He thought that he was right and did not need to listen to others’ wisdom. He was too stubborn, too arrogant to take a few moments to reflect. Throughout the play, countless people attempt to have him acknowledge his thickheaded ways. At one point, the prophet Tiresias, who is never wrong in his prophecies, tells him that he is making an enormous mistake and that the gods are angry. Creon once again pushes the idea aside. By the end of the play both his son and wife commit suicide as a result of the numerous effects of his actions. He realizes his own faults, but has lost his family.
By the end of the story we look past his arrogance and may even pity him. This is where we may see things better from his point of view.
So, why was Creon so stubborn in his decisions and actions? What do you think he was attempting to accomplish?
Do you think he was wrong in holding his position?
Where did he go wrong?
Do you think he could have accomplished what he was attempting in another way?
If so, what could he have done differently to achieve his aspirations?
I think you have already stated the reason why Creon was so stubborn in his decisions and actions, because of his pride. Like we discussed in class, many people believed that Creon could not renege his proclamation because he would be viewed as a weak leader. He was trying to give Thebes the impression of unity and strength when they were coming out of chaos. He is a relatively new king and was just involved in a war with another city-state; he wants to make a strong first impression on his people.
I think he was absolutely wrong in holding his position. I think he went wrong when he was not a strong enough person to realize that it takes a great amount of courage for a leader to show humility to his people when he is wrong. Instead, he forged ahead with his decision, unwilling to heed advice. In a sense, by making such a tyrannical effort to prove strength in his leadership, he accomplished the opposite.
He could have accomplished what he was trying to do by showing his people that even leaders can make errors in judgment, but by correcting these errors expediently and graciously, they remain good, strong leaders despite their errors. Being thoughtful, having humility and heeding the wise advice of others were ways Creon could have solved his situation and accomplished what he desired.
To being with, I agree with you in that Creon is the tragic hero of this story. To support your point I have gotten the definition of what a tragic hero is: A main character that makes a mistake and ends up defeated. Creon did end up making the mistake of trying to become too powerful for his own good and that just backfired on him.
Creon is just one of those people who are stubborn and will most likely do anything to get what they want or need. He was trying to make an example of a traitor of the city of Thebes. He felt that Polynices didn’t deserve a proper burial ceremony because of treason during battle.
I understand why Creon was so strong with his position. The reason being he didn’t want anyone else to become a traitor to their own city, and therefore used Polynices as an example for the city.
He screwed up big time when he decided to capture the person who decided to go against his orders. That person was Antigone, the rebel of this story. Things went downhill when she was to be entombed alive as a punishment. Instead she decided to hang herself. When Creon’s son found this out, he then killed himself. When Creon’s wife hears of the news, she also takes her own life out of grief.
It isn’t easy to be a king/ruler. Not everyone is going to always agree or disagree with the king’s actions. This point brings up the question if it is better to be feared or like by a population?