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Creon Tragic Hero Analysis

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Who is the tragic hero of Antigone? Aristotle defines a tragic hero as one with a fatal flaw that leads to a reversal of fortune, or peripeteia. This fatal flaw is often Hubris, which is excessive pride. Creon fits all these roles, therefore he should be labelled as the tragic hero of Antigone. Creon also faces anagnorisis, in which the tragic hero realizes the situation they're in and is often followed by regret. Not only that, but Creon's fatal flaw, excessive pride, impacts the story more than Antigone did. As previously stated, Creon's flaw is his excessive pride and arrogance. In the story of Antigone, Creon gives Antigone's brother, Eteocles, a proper burial, but refuses to bury Polynices for betraying their city and leaves him out to rot. Antigone was appalled by this and for the sake of family and love went against Creon's wishes and buried Polynices. Antigone is eventually caught doing so and is sent to Creon. Creon, being arrogant as always, insists on Antigone being killed for her actions. …show more content…
Haemon tries to convince Creon out of punishing Antigone, but his pride and arrogance get the best of him and he refuses to do so, but he now plans on burying Antigone alive. His arrogance can be seen when he states "For he alone who is a man of worth in his household will appear upright in the state also; and whoe'er offends against the laws of violence, or think to give commands to rulers - I deny favour to such." (Sophocles 37). This means that he refuses to listen to anyone's advice regarding Antigone's punishment nor does he plan on changing

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