1. English II Honors—November 19, 2015
Daily Warm-up: What could Creon have possibly done to change his destiny and prevent all of the tragedy?
Homework:
Reading Plus due Sunday at 11:59.
Antigone Test on Monday

2. Characteristics of the Tragic Hero
Creon as a Tragic Hero
Characteristics of the Tragic Hero
Where/When Has Creon Demonstrated These Qualities? Textual Evidence
A person of noble stature
A good person who is brought down by “an act of injustice” (hamartia) because he knows no better or believes that a greater good will be served by his actions
Has a weakness, a tragic flaw such as pride, quickness to anger, or misjudgment
Has a free choice that makes his downfall his own fault
Experiences misfortune that is not entirely deserved
Gains self-knowledge or understanding before his downfall, and therefore experiences redemption

3. Characteristics of the Tragic Hero
Creon as a Tragic Hero
Characteristics of the Tragic Hero
Where/When Has Creon Demonstrated These Qualities?
A person of noble stature
Creon is king now that Oedipus is dead and the brothers killed themselves:
“And so I have the throne, all royal power. . .”(Lines )
A good person who is brought down by “an act of injustice” (hamartia) because he knows no better or believes that a greater good will be served by his actions
Creon believes in the greater good:
“Anyone who acts against the state, its enemy, I’d never make my friend.” (Lines )
Has a weakness, a tragic flaw such as pride, quickness to anger, or misjudgment
Creon is quick to misjudge peoples’/the gods’ intentions:
“No one can tolerate what you’ve said when you think the gods might care about this corpse.” (Lines )
Has a free choice that makes his downfall his own fault
Creon could choose to bury the corpse and end the devastation:
“Our state is sick—because of the rotting corpse.” (Lines ).
Experiences misfortune that is not entirely deserved
Creon loses his wife, is blamed for his son’s death, and loses respect:
“Creon was once a man we all looked up too…now all is gone.” (Lines )
Gains self-knowledge or understanding before his downfall, and therefore experiences redemption
Creon recognizes that he was at fault:
“Oh the profanity of what I planned.” (Lines 1410)
“the guilt for all this is mine” (Line 1463)

4. Purposes of Choral Odes
Summary of Content
Connections to the Previous Scene
Functional Purpose of the Ode 6
Bacchus, powerful god of Thebes, come back to us and protect us from misery and destruction.
Tiresias has warned Creon that his misjudgments will bring him doom. He has placed such fear on Creon that Creon decides to release Antigone.
This ode reaffirms the chorus’ belief in the power of the gods.

5. Expository Writing Prompt
Consider how Teiresias acts as a foil to highlight Creon’s tragic flaws, and how he helps Creon gain the self-knowledge necessary for redemption. Write a response explaining how Teiresias contributes to Creon’s development as a tragic hero. Be sure to:
Include a thesis explaining how Teiresias contributes to Creon’s development as a tragic hero.
Include relevant textual evidence from both characters to show their interaction.
Provide commentary explaining how Teiresias acts as a foil and helps Creon gain self-knowledge.