How Antigone can be considered a heroin
Antigone, from the Greek mythology, Antigone was the daughter of Oedipus born out of an incestuous relationship with Jocasta. Throughout Antigone`s lifetime, there were judgment and decisions made that inevitably lead to own destruction. However, various acts such as reclaiming the individuality of Polynices as one who died defending the right to rule Thebes depicted Antigone`s heroic nature thus termed as a tragic hero (Chanter 104). Honig believed that Antigone being a mythic figure and a character in history airs suffering and casts about for the right frame in which the story is told (122). Therefore, this paper will portray various historical events that justified Antigone`s acts being heroic.
Antigone`s violation of Creon`s edict against Polynices burial. The law stated that there would be no lamentation and burial as a punishment for Polynices` treason. However, Antigone went ahead and specified the importance of burying Polynices not only as a brother but also as the only remaining family member. Throughout this event it is seen that Antigone (Chanter 104) is working so hard to distinguish the brother from a potential marriage partner, thus reclaiming Polynices` individuality. Antigone does all these to prove that the brother died as one who was defending their right to rule Thebes. From the scenario, we can learn the heroic nature of Antigone depicting itself vividly.
The attempt to bury Polynices leads to Antigone`s suicide. Even after getting several orders such as death penalty from Creon Antigone is very adamant and chooses to rebel against them. Moreover, Owen and Alonso believed that Antigone makes an effort of citing the ancient unwritten laws of the gods to justify Polynices` burial (214). However, Creon carries on with the sentence and buries Antigone alive in the tomb despite Haemon`s plea which is hopelessly in love with Antigone (“The Italian Law Journal” 168). Creon’s brutal verdict eventually leads to (Owen and Alonso 214) Antigone`s suicide and ends childless thus fulfilling the laid curse upon the incestuously begotten children of Oedipus and Jocasta. Antigone`s heroic nature shown in this event deliberately marks the end of the cursed lineage of Oedipus.
Antigone`s suicide causes Haemon`s death. After Creon was told about divine vendetta by Tiresias, in the end, Creon gave in. However, it was too late since Antigone had already committed suicide. Subsequently, Haemon got furious with his father Creon, upon reaching Antigone`s tomb, Haemon stabbed and threw himself on the beloved`s body (“The Italian Law Journal” 168).
In conclusion, it is true to say that throughout Antigone`s lifetime various acts depicted ones heroic nature. Following the events that unfolded after Polynices` death, Antigone`s bravery and courageous character portrayed themselves right in front of Creon`s pride. Therefore, one can learn that for some changes to occur there have to be some sacrifices made for achievement.
Works Cited
Chanter, Tina. Whose Antigone? The Tragic Marginalization of Slavery. New York: SUNY Press, 2011. Print.
Honig, Bonnie. Antigone, Interrupted. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Print
