Antigone the Tragic Hero

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A Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is a character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw, which combined with fate, results into a tragedy. The tragic hero must fall from good luck and well being to misery and misfortune. The tragic hero causes a sense of pity through the tragic downfall that weakens the character. In Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone follows her own beliefs by giving her brother a proper burial, even if she has to break the law of King Creon. Because of her innocent actions, Antigone is punished unjustly and unfairly. Through her risky and unselfish actions, ability to follow her own beliefs, and perseverance Antigone is the tragic hero of this play.

Furthermore, Antigone makes many important and appropriate decisions through her risky and unselfish actions. When she buries Polyneices, she does that so Polynieces will be able to live a satisfying after life and so that the gods will not be angered. Through her powerful decision making and strong will she says, “ I will bury the brother I love” (694). Antigone is an important follower of tradition and does not want to displease the gods or the dead. This means that Antigone will do anything possible to help her brother, even if it means being harmed innocently. In addition, Antigone commits more faultless actions that result in the death of her. When Antigone is caught by Creon she is immediately sentenced to death and cannot be saved. Before she is sent to be executed her sister, Antigone states, “ Save yourself, I shall not envy you, There are those who will praise you, I shall have honor too” (711). In this statement, Antigone is trying to prevent Ismene from getting involved in her situation and execution. Antigone doesn’t want her sister...

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...s done is correct. Through her perseverance and courage, Antigone fits the role of a tragic hero perfectly.

Antigone’s ability to follow her beliefs, to make the proper actions, and to follow through her actions with courage make Antigone the perfect tragic hero. It is important to follow one’s own beliefs and to pursue the right things, so the outcome will turn well. Without having courage and perseverance it is very easy to be challenged and stopped from the goals being pursued. The tragic hero of a story has al these qualities and the ability to do what they want. A tragic hero must be someone who follows his or her beliefs no matter what the outcome is. Although sometimes the outcome may involve death, a tragic hero can be anyone that follows their own beliefs, has the ability to learn to persevere, and can do the right thing under any circumstance.

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