Oedipus And Antigone Analysis

Lastly, Aristotle argues that tragic heroes come to the point where they realize their mis-takes or their fate. In the case of Oedipus and Antigone, both recognize their tragic destiny and that it is impossible to escape it. Lastly, Oedipus and Antigone represent tragic heroes by reach-ing the moment of self-recognition and facing the catastrophe of their actions. For example, after the disclosure of Oedipus’ real identity by Shepherd, Oedipus falls into despair:
“Children, the god was Apollo. He brought my sick, sick fate upon me.” (Exodos, l.117-118)
By implementing cosmic irony, the scene highlights Oedipus realization that the prophecy regard-ing his destiny was real and he himself unconsciously fulfilled it. The King calls to the gods
But let it be” (Exodos, l. 245-247)
Being devastated by the things Oedipus has done, he is unable to bear his guilt. He is willing to meet the consequences that he once pronounced for the Laios’ murderer. By referring to the cosmic irony, the author stresses that the fate preserved Oedipus for another, non-natural death. For his misconduct and unbelief in god’s power, he will not be liberated from suffering. His guilt should be punished and therefore he must be exiled from the city. As for Antigone, the catastro-phe is her own death:
“She had made a noose of her fine linen veil
And hanged herself […]” (Exodos, l.59-60)
Antigone end her life right before Creon realizes his mistakes and aims at compromising with her. Moreover, her demise induces two other deaths of her fiancé and his mother, who are unable to cope with the loss of their dear one’s. The resolution could have been different and saved not only her, but Haimon’s and Eurydice’s life if she did not kill herself. To summarize, Oedipus re-fers to his predetermined by destiny death that will not occur in natural way. Thus, he is destined to suffer from the knowledge that he brought tragedy to his family and the city of Thebes. An-tigone, however, commits a suicide, which prevents the conflict between her and Creon (moral and legal principles) to resolve and renews a series of tragic deaths. Her
Destiny has predetermined for each of them their unavoidable tragic upshot. Oedipus was doomed to suffer from his wrongdoing through his life course, while Antigone was doomed to end her life before the possible solution of her conflict with the law is found. Characterization, dramatic and cosmic irony assist in demonstrating the unavoidable fate of the tragic heroes. Through the characters of Oedipus and Antigone, Sophocles suggested that our life is predetermined and we have no control over it. Ancient Greeks perceived spirituality as an important component of their traditions and strongly believed in gods’ power that can punish individuals for their mistakes or save them from suffering. These philosophic thoughts have pro-gressed through time and are still discussable in modern society. While some people argue that their course is guided by a supreme force and any resolutions are destined to happen, others be-lieve that they govern their own