Heroine or Victim of Pride

Heroism is defined by cause. Bravery is a factor, however, it depends on what one is putting oneself out on a limb for that makes one a hero. It is not enough to be brave. Antigone’s character has many different layers. In some respects, she is a heroine, but in others, she is merely a victim of her own pride. At the beginning of the play, the chorus describes Antigone as a little helpless …

…fake life of artificial happiness. She chooses death, and nothing could convince her to live. In the end, Antigone dies as herself. She didn’t become someone that she isn’t, and she didn’t sell out. Is that the course of a true hero? Antigone is many different things: innocent, confused, proud, and above all, she is heroic. A true hero remains true to themselves to the bitter end, and Antigone did just that.