Aristotle, the first to define tragedy, theorized that the form evokes both pity and fear in the audience. Aristotle states that people feel pity because they feel sorry for the tragic hero, and they feel fear because they realize that the hero’s struggles are perhaps a necessary part of human life. Although pity is evoked for the tragic hero, Creon, due to his attempt to change his fate, the modern audience does not fear a similar downfall due to extreme allegiance to the state. Therefore, the play Antigone does not completely fulfill Aristotle’s claim.
Pity is evoked for the tragic hero Creon, because he has a change of heart that comes too late. In an attempt to please the gods Creon states, “Come with me to the tomb. I buried her; I will set her free. Oh quickly! My mind misgives- The laws of gods are mighty, and a man must serve them to the last day of his life!” (1001). Creon knew what he was doing was erroneous, and he attempted to change his fate by means of pleasing the gods. Creon’s last-minute attempt to conform to the gods' wishes only reveals to him his own inescapable fate. Creon states, “It is hard to deny the heart! But I will do it: I will not fight with destiny” (1001). This quote from the play shows the tragic hero acknowledging that he will not fight with fate anymore. The audience feels pity for Creon because of his great loss.Pity is not only evoked for the tragic hero, but also for Haemon and Antigone. The Messenger exclaims, “They are dead. The living are guilty of their death” (1003). This quote tells the audience that Haemon and Antigone are both dead. Pity is evoked for Haemon and Antigone because Creon caused their deaths. Antigone hung herself and Haemon, in desperate agony, killed himself as well. Unfortunately, Creon’s attempt to change his fate came precisely too late. Creon acknowledges this towards the end of the play when Choragus states, “That is the truth; but you were late in learning it” (1005). Choragus implies that if...