Question

How does the Messenger’s depiction of Creon fit with the definition of a tragic hero?

MESSENGER

All you here who live beside the home

of Amphion and Cadmus—in human life

there’s no set place which I would praise or blame.

The lucky and unlucky rise or fall

by chance day after day—and how these things

are fixed for men no one can prophesy.

For Creon, in my view, was once a man

we all looked up to. For he saved the state,

this land of Cadmus, from its enemies.

He took control and reigned as its sole king—

and prospered with the birth of noble children.

Now all is gone. For when a man has lost

what gives him pleasure, I don’t include him

among the living—he’s a breathing corpse.

Pile up a massive fortune in your home,

if that’s what you want—live like a king.

If there’s no pleasure in it, I’d not give

to any man a vapour’s shadow for it,

not compared to human joy

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Creon's depiction by the Messenger fits with the definition of a tragic hero as he is a once noble and virtuous man who experiences a downfall due to his own flaws. Creon is initially portrayed as a strong and respected leader who saves the state and prospers in his rule. However, his tragic flaw of pride and stubbornness leads to his downfall as he refuses to listen to the advice of others and makes decisions that bring about his own destruction. The Messenger reflects on Creon's loss of pleasure and happiness, showing that his downfall has left him empty and devoid of true life. This depiction aligns with the tragic hero archetype, where the protagonist's downfall is a result of their own flawed character traits.