Essay About Particular Instances Catharsis And Greek Tragedy

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Antigone Essay
Antigone is a Greek Tragedy that focuses on Creon the King of Thebes and also the Protagonist of the tragedy and Antigone the woman who defies Creon. Creon is the noble King and his downfall begins with his humanistic beliefs which he deems to be the law and Antigone, the one who defies Creons orders based on her beliefs. During the story the fate of Antigone and Creon are the focus as Creon initiates the decision to deny Polynieces, the brother of Antigone, of a proper burial due to his being a traitor for going after the state and killing his own brother Eteocles. This also happens to be the tragic flaw of the story as Creon declares to make the non-burial of Polynieces the law, ignoring the argument of divine law. Antigone defies Creons law in order to obey the divine beliefs and she is caught and sentenced by Creon to be buried alive even though she is betrothed to Creons son Haimon. Soon after the blind prophet Teiresias convinces Creon that the gods are on Antigones side, a moment of recognition for Creon, Creon has a change of heart or Peripeteia and has Polynieces buried after all. After Polynieces is buried Creon goes to the tomb where he sent Antigone but its to late as Antigone has hung herself. Crying by her side is Haimon so distraught that he lunges at Creon with his sword, missing and then drives the sword into his own side killing himself. When the news of the death of Haimon and Antigone is reported, Creons wife Eurydice takes her own life. In these particular instances Catharsis has occurred within the story, a purge of emotions for all involved but especially Creon because now he is alone because of his foolish pride.