The Traits of a Tragedy

In being one of the most successfully written tragedies, Antigone embodies many essential traits that set the precedent for other plays of the same genre. Based on the Oedipus Myth in the Royal House of Thebes, Antigone presents its audience with two very different types of Greek tragic Heroes. Creon serves as a variation of a traditional tragic hero while Antigone serves as the model of a Sophoclean tragic hero(ine).

Upon discussing the fundamental elements of what makes a piece of work a tragedy, we were presented many different characteristics Sophocles used to devise his plays. One approach he always takes is that he cleverly creates a character that possesses a fundamentally virtuous quality that leads to his/her downfall. In Antigone, this is overtly apparent throughout the entire plot revolving around the burial of Antigone’s brother, Polyneices. Antigone is strong willed to say the least, and it is this courageous devotion towards what she believes in that leads to her imminent demise. While she does succeed in stirring the pot with Creon and the law, it ends up costing her her life, as well as her fiancé’s.

This “tragic flaw” is what makes the play worth reading and discussing. Had Antigone not pushed so hard for the ceremony for her brother, we wouldn’t have had any plot twists or a reason to continue reading. It also allows the audience to personally engage in another critical aspect of Sophocles’s writings. As we view Antigone’s inner character, we, as an audience, feel the sensation known as catharsis. It is not uncommon for the audience to pity the main character in a tragedy, and Sophocles succeeds in creating a feeling of sympathy towards Antigone.

Even though the play is titled Antigone, that certainly doesn’t mean she’s the most prevalent character, or, for that matter, the only tragic hero. Creon serves as a perfect example of the notion that a tragedy is a story of a person’s fall from greatness. While he does not want to disrespect the Gods, he is taken over by his own ego and dictates that his laws are to be followed no matter if they are right or wrong. It is this mindset that essentially leads to what becomes his downfall. This only occurs to him after the blood of Antigone and his own son, Haemon, is placed on his hands (Figuratively). This also solidifies his role as a tragic hero because he recognized his own responsibilities for his behavior and accepted his fate with dignity.

All in all, it is easy to categorize Antigone as one of the most successful tragedies written to date. (436)