Heroic Tragedy

Heroic tragedies have been one of the discussions went over class that really struck my mind. I agree completely with many of the arguments stated with in the play Antigone. In regards to the conflict between Antigone and Creon a major contributor would defiantly be the fact that Antigone is a female rather than a male. Within the story we all know that Antigone is a leader of what she believes in, the morality and that, she values family greater than the written laws. Being bonded with such great leadership skills not a follower affected the way Creon felt towards her. Antigone would beyond anything assure that her brother would be buried properly, even if it cost her her life. She also wouldn’t deny it either but what struck out to Creon was the fact that this strong willing person was a female. As Creon states in line 577 “When I am alive no woman shall rule”. Creon already states that he has a conflict with having a female at power and he simply is just scared for a women leader. Later on in the play as Creon specks with his son Haemon whom is supposed to be marrying Antigone, he states “We cannot give victory to a woman. If we must accept defeat let it be by a man;” (Lines 729-730). Again the evidence that Creons major concerns is that Antigone is a female. This ongoing battle of the sexes is what thrives Creons to assure that Antigone even though his niece is enforced with the laws she broke. 

            In the play with the Sentry’s initially tell Creon that a man not a female had buried Polyneices, the Sentry was a bit concerned by the fact that a female had done such a thing. One of the major conflicts between Antigone and Creon is not only that Antigone went against the written laws but that a female had the guts to do what no man was supposed to do.  Fearlessness for her actions even though it will cost her her life was what made Antigone a strong leader figure within this Heroic Tragedy.