Question

The plot of Antigone incorporates various elements of tragedy. Through which character does Sophocles primarily develop the element of hubris?

A)through Polyneices, when he joins hands with the invaders of Thebes against his brother, Eteocles
B)through Haemon, when he goes against his father’s commands and tries to usurp the throne
C)through Ismene, when she tries to dissuade Antigone from burying their brother Polyneices
D)through Creon, when he tries to control matters that only the gods have the right to govern

Answer 1

Sophocles primarily develops the element of hubris D) through Creon, when he tries to control matters that only the gods have the right to govern.

Hubris is a concept that makes reference to a personality characterized by extreme pride and arrogance, which most times also leads to a defiance or disobedience against the gods. In Antigone by Sophocles, Creon, who is the king of Thebes, is unwilling to listen to what others have to say. He goes against divine law when he forbids all the citizens to bury Polyneices. After he condemns Antigone to death for burying her brother, he refuses to listen to his own son, who tries to convince him not to kill Antigone. In that way, his pride and his arrogance not only lead to Antigone's death, but also to the deaths of his son and the queen.

Answer 2

D)through Creon, when he tries to control matters that only the gods have the right to govern.

Hubris is an extreme feeling of pride and self confidence, Creon causes his own catastrophic ending and those surrounding him by an excesive pride.