How Does Haemon Characterize Creon

908 Words2 Pages

There is a common characteristic of a tragic hero that is highlighted by Haemon words, actions, or ideas that examine more closely Creon’s tragic flaws and hubris, which contribute to his downfall. Complex characters like Haemon bring to light other more important character’s traits. Ultimately, Haemon serves to make his words, actions, or ideas call attention to Creon as a tragic hero. Whether confronting him about his leadership skills, many biases, using the citizens of Thebes, and gods to enlighten Creon of his eventual demise. After all, Haemon was a minor character who was written to confront Creon and shed light on how his pride makes him a classic example of a tragic hero.
One way Haemon highlights Creon as a tragic hero is when Haemon …show more content…

Haemon makes a point of this by saying, “The people here in Thebes all say the same – they deny she is (Lines 834-835)." This confirms Creon’s status as a tragic hero when he disagrees with his people's opinion on what has happened to Antigone, which causes him to step even closer to his ultimate demise. This is key because Creon shows how his ego comes before his people as Haemon stresses, which explains how his hubris, the emotion called stubbornness will contribute to his downfall. Additional way Haemon shows Creon as a tragic hero is by highlighting how his tragic flaws are not just angering humans, but the god's that their society revolves around. Haemon shows this by saying, “You're not honoring that by trampling on the god’s prerogatives (Lines 850-851)." This indicates Creon’s decision to punish Antigone was not taken kindly by the gods, but his ego wouldn't allow him to solve that as shown by Haemon, which, again, contribute to his nemesis. This proves by how Creon’s stubbornness isn't liked by the gods establishing him as a tragic

Open Document