He is the figure most akin to the classical Aristotelian definition of the traditional tragic hero. In Aristotle's book, Poetics, the philosopher defines a tragic hero as someone of high status, flawed, afflicted with hamartia (tragic flaw) and hubris (arrogance), is punished severely, and in the end gains wisdom. ... The character of Creon is presented in direct opposition with the character of Antigone, but it would be premature to pass immediate judgment on Creon and call him a villain. ... According to Aristotle, the tragedy that affects the classical tragic hero is the result of hi...

• Word Count: 1647
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In Greek tragedy the tragic situation, in which the characters find themselves, is always a situation of utmost conflict. ... The hero, like any man, is human. ... Every tragic situation results in severest suffering for the protagonist. ... Characteristic of the tragic catastrophe is the fact that not only the protagonist comes to be destroyed, but very often innocent people are also involved in the tragic happenings and lose their lives (for example, Creon's son and wife in "Antigone".) ... By participating vicariously in the grief, pain and fear of the tragic hero or heroine, the spect...

• Word Count: 1396
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

After saving the city of Thebes from the Sphinx, a plague settled over the city and Oedipus sent his brother-in-law Creon to the Oracle of Delphi to ask the gods what needed to be done. ... At first, Oedipus accused Creon of being in allegiance with Tiresias and was plotting to take over his thrown as king of Thebes. Oedipus wanted nothing more than to kill Creon in order to show the citizens of Thebes what treason looked like, but Jocasta and the chorus convinced him not to kill Creon. ... After leaving Thebes, Oedipus began a long journey to discover the best course of action he could take ...

• Word Count: 1488
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The tragic nature of the play and the themes are conveyed not only through these features, but also through the role of the chorus and dramatic techniques including irony. Oedipus is seen as a tragic hero in the play, a principal character, in a position of social importance being the King of Thebes. ... This worsened the tragedy, adding to his humiliation in end, as a result of his thoughtless accusations against Creon and Teiresias. ... The tragic nature of the play, is not only brought out by Oedipus's characteristic flaws, but also by the way he was treated by the gods. ...

• Word Count: 1270
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate