“You Would Be an Excellent King – on a Desert Island.” It Is Creon’s Autocratic Rule Which Is Responsible for the Tragedy of Antigone. Do You Agree?

“Be he that, too rashly daring, walks in sin

In solitary pride to his life’s end.

At door of mine shall never enter in

To call me friend.” Chorus

Through the play Antigone, Sophocles presents a drama in which the personal characteristics and actions of the characters are not the focus as in many contemporary dramas, rather the significance of the greater values and beliefs represented by the character is central to the play. both Antigone herself, a strong-minded princess of Thebes, and her uncle, who at one point is the honourable King of the city, demonstrate tragedy in the Grecian drama. As defined by the 5th century philosopher Aristotle, tragedy is the downfall of a noble hero or heroine as a result of a fatal flaw in character, often Hubris – excessive pride. Creon’s excessive pride and belief in his own self-supremacy brings tragedy upon both himself and Antigone, though this is not the only cause of tragedy in the play. His son Haemon’s words “you would be an excellent king – on a desert island” reflect this major flaw in character, that his autocratic style of rule is not fit for a king, as true kingship involves listening to one’s subjects. However, Creon’s belief in his own absolute power is not the only source of tragedy. Antigone brings calamity upon herself through her own Hubris, ultimately leading to her own death. Predetermination by the Gods, a key belief of the Athenian audience at the time for which this drama was intended, also plays a significant role in the demise of the two tragic protagonists, Antigone and Creon. However, ultimately, Creon and Antigone suffer tragedy because of their immoderation in their beliefs to uphold the laws of man (polis) and the laws of Gods (theos) respectively, pitting them against each other.

Aristotle’s definition of tragedy brings light to the characters in the drama ‘Antigone’ who play the tragic protagonists. Both Creon and Antigone can be considered as demonstrating true tragedy. Both are gravely...