Sophocles Antigonon The Tragic Hero Creon - 742 Words

The Tragic Hero: Creon Hero. Hero comes from the greek word heros meaning â€Å"A person who faces adversity, or demonstrates courage, in the face of danger.† Growing up we have always read stories about heroes coming to save the day; for instance, Captain America. Being that our whole lives we were mostly exposed to heroism, have you ever asked yourself what is the opposite of a hero? A villain is the opposite of a hero, but their is another opposite form of a hero; a tragic hero. A Tragic hero is â€Å"A literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction† (â€Å"Tragic hero as defined by Aristotle†). For instance, in the play written by Sophocles Antigone, the tragic hero is Creon. Creon who is Antigone’s†¦show more content†¦The second reason why Creon is a tragic hero, because of his inescapable fate. Creon has more than one inescapable fate, the curse from the gods and the killing of his dad to marry his mother. The curse of the god as we have previously reviewed, was brought up on him after Teiresias gives Creon word that his refusal to bury Polynices and punishment of Antigone, will result in the curses of the gods brought down on Thebes. This was one inescapable fate Creon did in fact bring upon himself. We see the prophecy come to pass confirmed by the Chorus leader stating â€Å"Tiresias, how your words have proven true† (Antigone line 1310). The chorus leader proceeded to say â€Å"Here comes the king in person carrying.. A clear reminder that this evil comes not from some stranger, but from his own mistakes† (Antigone line 1402). Lastly, Creon was a tragic hero because he realized his flaws too late in time. Referring back to the prophecy of Tiresias, after the prophecy of Thebes was declared and Creon denying it, it soon came to pass. The chorus leader cries â€Å"My lord, my lord, such dreadful prophecies- and how hes gone..Since my hair changed colour from black to white, I know here in the city hes never uttered a false prophecy† (Antigone line 1220). Creon then replies to him by acknowledging his wrong and the effect of his wrong in the situation. â€Å"Aaii- mistakes made by a foolish mind, cruel mistakes that bring on