The Tragedy of Antigone Essay - 1218 Words

It is plain to see what about the character of Antigone it is that makes this a tragedy. Tragedy is defined as a dramatic composition dealing with a serious or somber theme, and this story fits all these criteria. First of all, it involves a tragic course of events that involved both of her brothers dying and then being completely disrespected even in death. She felt she had to rectify this mistake, even though it was against the law, and the opposition was too great. Because of her attempt to rectify the injustice, even more tragic things happened to her and her family. This is why she is a tragic heroine. First of all, there was a tragic series of events that caused her to become involved in them by disrespecting her own brother. She†¦show more content†¦Antigone says, â€Å"I will do my part,-and thine, if thou wilt not,-to a brother. False to him will I never be found,† as well as that it is wrong for her brother to have been left above ground, â€Å"unwept, unsepulchred, a welcome store for the birds, as they espy him, to feast on at will.† In Greek times, these customs of burial were even more important than they are today, because of beliefs about luck, religion, and what would happen to the spirit or the family if the body was left unburied. This is why it was used as a punishment by Creon, and was so hurtful to Antigone that she was willing to risk her life to undo it. Ismene explains to Antigone the reasons that she will not take part in such a proceeding. Herein lies another example of the tragedy aspect of this play, as Ismene reminds Antigone of how h er father, mother, and both her brothers had already died. Anyway, Ismene said she wouldn’t go with Antigone to bury her brother, and initially tries to talk Antigone out of it, but then simply wishes her luck and promises she won’t tell anyone. In the next scene, Creon explains, â€Å"Polynices,-who came back from exile, and sought to consume utterly with fire the city of his fathers and the shrines of his fathers gods,-sought to taste of kindred blood, and to lead the remnant into slavery,† and that is why no one can grace himShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy of Sophocles Antigone956 Words   |  4 Pages The Tragedy of Antigone nbsp;In the story of Antigone, Oedipus has already died, his two sons. Polyneices and Eteocles, left to contend for the throne of Thebes. In their contention for the throne, the two brothers slay one another, leaving Creon once again to be the acting regent of Thebes. With this power, Creon declares that Polyneices must be left to rot on the battlefield, the highest disgrace to any Greek. Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, is left torn between state of family, and in theRead MoreTheories on Tragedy in Antigone1897 Words   |  8 PagesTheories on Tragedy in Antigone Many dramatic theorists have documented their opinions of Sophocles tragic play Antigone. They have presented their interpretations as to the motives and moral character of Antigone and Creon. I will attempt to encapsulate the basic logic behind the arguments of the critics Brian Vickers, A.C. Bradley (who interprets Hegel), and H. D. F. Kitto, and venture my own humble opinion as to their validity. Brian Vickers clearly favors the characterRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Sophocles Antigone Essay1808 Words   |  8 Pages Antigone is the main character of the homonymous tragedy of Sophocles. 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But Antigone did not care she still loved Polyneices and thought that he deservedRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Sophocles Antigone928 Words   |  4 PagesAntigone Antigone was written in 441 BC by the Greek playwright Sophocles. The play is set in the ancient city of Thebes. Women were not recognized of importance in ancient Athens, so in turn they were not allowed to attend the plays and any character that was a woman was to be played as a man, wearing a mask. Sophocles wrote many other great Greek tragedies including Odeipus the King. In the prequel to Antigone, Odeipus the King, Odeipus is born as a curse. His parents went to the oracle and receivedRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Antigone By Sophocles1182 Words   |  5 PagesThe play Antigone, composed by Sophocles, informs us that fate cannot be controlled by anyone. Fate is an essential part of many tragedies. 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The whole play brings in the theme of tragedy from the beginning to the endRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Sophocles Antigone1705 Words   |  7 Pagesthe subject of honorable morality, Antigone possesses the moral high ground in accordance to the Greek expectations of the historical era when compared to the opposition of Creon. Owing to Sophocles’ tragedy known as Antigone, it offers the question of what type of law should be relevant when both divine law and common law clash in their interests. As such, it delves into a complex setting of a post-civil war Thebes, whereby throughout the entirety of the tragedy the audience learns of the fates ofRead MoreTragedy in Antigone by Sophocles and Blackfish771 Words   |  4 PagesKarl Marx, the German philosopher, once said â€Å"Histo ry repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.† For me, this quote clearly describes the overarching relationship between Blackfish and Antigone. This analogy starts with Antigone, written about an oppressed woman against the fists of tyranny. That early in history woman’s rights was often taboo at places, and democracy was only recently established. Yet, Antigone went against the norm by focusing on a heroine that challenged male authorityRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Antigone By William Shakespeare1001 Words   |  5 PagesHowever, there is often a gray area that goes unexplored. Antigone manages to venture into this gray area through a complicated conflict of values. Kreon, the ruler of Thebes, has declared the leader of a rebellion against the state must not be buried. This conflicts with the leaders’ sister, Antigone, as she feels compelled to bury him. This conflict of values was expressed by German philosopher Hegel when he said â€Å"At the center of A ntigone we find not a tragic hero but a tragic collision. However