Sophocles Antigone - Antigone and Creon, the Powerful...

The Two Protagonists of Antigone In the classic model of dramatic structure, two characters move the action of the play from introduction to climax to resolution with their conflict. One of these characters is the protagonist; the other is the antagonist. The protagonist is generally regarded as the good guy, and the antagonist is the bad guy. In Sophocles play Antigone, the lines between protagonist and antagonist are blurred. In the Greek tradition, the title character is the protagonist, but in this play, the supposed antagonist Creon also displays characteristics of the protagonist. Websters Dictionary defines protagonist as one who takes the leading part in a drama; hence, one who takes lead in some great scene,†¦show more content†¦However, the way his actions work and feed the conflict throughout also make Creon fit our definition of a protagonist. After Antigones capture, the play centers on Creon. He boasts of his decision to the town leaders (the Chorus in this play), and he argues with Tiresias about his actions and leadership ability. Tiresias endless enforcement of truth forces Creon to face his mistakes, even though his pride is hurt: Its a dreadful thing to yield . . . but resist now? / Lay my pride bare to the blows of ruin? / Thats dreadful too. (page 661). Not only does Creon possess too much pride, but he is also stubborn, not unlike Antigone. However, Creons pride and stubbornness are related. He does not want to admit to himself or others that he could be wrong, so he makes the same mistakes over again. He could have pardoned Antigone, or reversed his edict after his point was made clear, but no, he does not. Perhaps he is afraid of admitting that he is capable of making mistakes in light of his less than perfect predecessors (Laius, Oedipus, Eteocles, and Polynices, none of whom make very good role models for aspiring kings). Maybe he has been king long enough that he has developed a large ego and does not recognize his own mortality. Either way, his pride and stubbornness reflect in nearly every action that Creon makes in Antigone. Creon undergoes a full realization in the play, which isShow MoreRelated Creon as the Hero of Sophocles Antigone Essay1624 Words   |  7 PagesCreon as the Hero of Antigone       The dilemma of identifying the true hero, or heroine, of Sophocles’ Antigone has tortured students for years. It is indeed a difficult decision to make. The basis for this decision is what the reader perceives to be Sophocles’ dramatic issue in this play. The dramatic issue of the play is twofold: Antigone is a fanatic who is driven by her religious fever to bury the body of her criminal brother, Polyneices, against the edict of Creon. In the second part,Read MoreThe Sophocles Play Antigone:1581 Words   |  7 PagesThe Sophocles Play Antigone: All the way through this play Antigone is solely being devoted to her family. Antigone is eager to go above and beyond her limits for her family. Antigone is a vital character in this play. Antigone is a very brave, passionate, and willing character that is not enthusiastic about her brother being defiled even if it means her own life. Creon is a character that he knows all commandments and is influenced that he must abide it. Creon then has compassion for AntigoneRead MoreAntigone, By Sophocles, The King And Oedipus1465 Words   |  6 PagesSophocles’, The Theban Plays, takes place during the intellectual experiments in the Age of Enlightenment in Greece. The Theban Plays is dramatic literature consisting of a trilogy of plays: Oedipus the King, Oedipus of Colonus and Antigone. Oedipus the King and Oedipus of Colonus were written in a very male-focused manner. 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In the play Antigone, Antigone is a tragic heroine who stands up and fights for her moral duties to do what is morally right instead of being loyal to the state even if cost her her life. The plot of Antigone is quite predictable. But, it shows the audience how does it make Creon and Antigone both tragic heroes in their own situation. The purpose of the play tells us that when a man has a noble goal thatRead MoreThe Punishment For Overstepping Creon s Authority Essay1235 Words   |  5 Pagesexponentially more sinister. In Sophocles’ â€Å"Antigone† there is a clear gender conflict that forms between the protagonist Antigone and the antagonist Creon. Antigone’s determination to give her brother a just burial inspired the people of Thebes, but enraged Creon. Although Antigone does not obsess over the gender struggle as much as Creon, there is no disputing that the gender roles of Ancient Greece fueled the central conflict of the drama. The clash between Antigone and Creon was symbolic towards theRead MoreThe Chorus Of Sophocles Antigone2400 Words   |  10 Pagesauthor of Antigone, Sophocles had participated in one of these festivals and won the award for his performance. He did not become known as one of the greatest playwrights then. Only now is he thought of as one of the greatest playwrights during the greek era. The point of this paper is to show how the chorus in Greek Theater tragedy performances affect the way the play Antigone is performed. Through the use of mask, staging, and speech, Sophocles best distinguishes the chorus. Sophocles most famous