Antigone

A tragedy is defined by www.Dictionary.com as “a dramatic composition, often in verse, dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, such as fate or society, to downfall or destruction.”

Antigone definitely fits this definition of a tragedy.  The story contains all the Aristotelian elements of a classical tragedy.     

1.  PLOT

Antigone’s plot has the obvious key points of a tragedy.  It has an “incentive moment” when Antigone finds out that her brother will not be buried, and she decides to do something about it.  The story’s climax occurs when Creon basically sentences Antigone to death, and imprisons her in a cave.  The resolution of Antigone comes when Creon is eventually overthrown, and he loses everything of importance in his life.

2.  CHARACTER

The different characters in Antigone certainly support the plot.  The individuals and their deeds undeniably complement the narrative.  Creon’s actions and Antigone’s counter actions are what keep the story moving along, and make it interesting.

3.  THOUGHT

The dialogue in the tale “reveal[s] character” and helps the reader understand each person in the story more. 

4.  DICTION

Diction is “‘the expression of the meaning in words’ which are proper and appropriate to the plot, characters and end of the tragedy.”  One example of a metaphor in Antigone is in Tiresias’ statement “Such arrows for thy heart - for thou provokest me - have I launched at thee, archer-like, in my anger, sure arrows, of which thou shalt not escape the smart.”

5.  SONG

Antigone also contains a chorus, which is a key component to a tragedy.

6.  SPECTACLE

The spectacle seems to be of little importance in this story.

7.  CATHARSIS

An example of catharsis, or “purging, cleansing of the tragic emotions of pity and fear,” occurs when “Creon, king of Thebes, goes from a proud and mighty king, to a man with suicidal tendencies.”

I believe that Antigone is the true tragic heroine in this story.  The whole narrative is based on her; and the story even named after her.  If she had not made the stand against Creon that she did, I do not believe that anyone else would have either.  Her actions prompted everyone else to turn against Creon.  I believe that had Antigone not stood up, then everyone else would have taken the passive approach also and would not have made huge deal out of the fact that body of Polynices was not buried.  Her revolutionary actions are what I believe makes Antigone the true tragic heroine of the story.