Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Tragic Hero in Antigone?
In my opinion it is quite clear that the hero in the story Antigone has to be the girl, son of Oedipus, Antigone. Her selflessness to take care of her father while he was sick, her courage to stand up for what was right even after he died and her bravery to go on and bury her brother, Polynices despite Creon's order to not do so. But if I were to choose another hero from the story I would chose Haemon, the man who was supposed to marry Antigone before she defied his father Creon. He stood up to his father and told him to reconsider hanging Antigone, at a time where it was considered foolish to side with a woman. He also ran away vowing never to come back because of his father letting his pride get in the way of overturning his decision to kill Antigone and her sister. Antigone showed courage, having a heart despite what the world around her says and standing up for what she believes in in a Myth during a time period where women had yet to surpass their role in the household as mothers, cooks and cleaners.
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I think it's very interesting that you argue Haemon is a tragic heroin the play. I agree with your analysis that he makes heroic decisions throughout the play and in the end tragically accepts suffering and death. He is a character that is usually overlooked but you prove to be no less important.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it is interesting that you believe Haemon was a tragic hero in the story. Perhaps he could arguably be considered a tragic hero of the story. In this current time period, the 2000s, standing up for a woman's rights would definitely not be viewed as being flawed. However, Haemon stood up for Antigone, a woman, in a time period where woman's rights were not regarded. Thus, it can be argued that standing up for a woman was a "flaw" for him that eventually lead to his death.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting route to take. Didn't think of it. He made a mistake/based his decisions on feeling...aka a flaw...and suffered. True.
ReplyDeleteYour take on Haemon as the tragic hero is interesting. I think that I overlooked his character because of the obvious battle between Creon and Antigone but you brought up valid points as to why Haemon can be considered the tragic hero of the story. Good job.
ReplyDeletePersonally I believe that Creon is the tragic hero but I like your argument for Haemon. I did not even consider his as an option but you made some very good points in favor of him being the tragic hero.
ReplyDeleteinteresting I didn't even think to name Haemon as a hero, although he stood by her side isn't that what one is suppose to do for the ones that they love, but very good point he was taking a risk by doing so
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