The True Tragic Hero of Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

Antigone: The True Tragic Hero Antigone, is the drama written by Sohpocles. There is still a great debate on who is the true tragic hero in Sophocles' Antigone, Creon or Antigone. Many people believes that it must be Antigone, herself. This is because Antigone is an outstanding example of someone who did what she thought was right, while she was among fools, many hardships, and people who were discouragingly uncourageous. When the king Creon ordered that the body of Polyneices, Antigone's brother, be left to rot unburied because he had died as a traitor, she tried to buried him even she knew that she would be punished. She believed that a dead person's soul could not rest if that person's body was not buried so she chooses to challenge a powerful Creon, the king of Thebes in order to let her brother rest peacefully. This presents a huge problem for Antigone; she feels she must obey the laws of the gods and bury her brother, but the penalty would be earthly death. To me, Antigone is a hero, what she did for her bro ther was very respectful, not many could have the strength to do so in the same situation. However, I believe the true tragic hero in Sophocles' Antigone is Creon, not Antigone. Creon, as king of Thebes, is at the top of the social ladder. Yet, not only is he king, he is also human and possesses frailties, which qualify him to make serious mistakes, and he possesses talents, which allow him also to excel. Hence, Creon is neither overly good nor bad. Appropriately, Creon's station as king place shim in a position of great power, influence and responsibility. The extent of this power was quite evident when he sentenced Antigone to death for disobeying his proclamation. Creon's tragic flaw was his hubris or his pride and arrogance in the face of divine powers. His downfall began when he denied the basic divine right of burial to Polyneices and was cemented when he condemned Antigone for her opposition to his law. When one closely examines Antigone's reasons for burying her brother, it becomes clear that she was simply demonstrating her love, honor, and loyalty to her family. However, the reason that Creon is angered is that he feels injured and insulted that Antigone flagrantly and publicly disobeyed him.

Desertification

| | What Causes Desertification? -Overgrazing Overgrazing was not as large of a problem long ago because animals would move in response to rainfall. People would move with the animals so it prevented overgrazing in such areas. Now, humans have a steady food supply so they do not have to move about. Therefore, people use fences to keep their animals in one place which causes overgrazing. (Desertification, 2001) -Farming of Average Land Farming of average land is causing desertification worldwide. Farmers are clearing average land, and using it which takes away the richness in the soil.People should let the average land replenish itself before farming. (Desertification, 2005) -Destruction of Plants in Dry Regions Destruction of plants in dry regions is causing desertification to occur. People are cutting down tress to use them as a source of fuel. Once all these trees are cut down there is nothing to protect the soil. Therefore, it turns to dust and is blown away by the wind. (Desertif ication, 2005) -Incorrect Irrigation in Arid Regions Causes a Build Up of Salt in the Soil Incorrect irrigation is commonly used in poorer areas.Farmers are using canal irrigation and other poor techniques because of the lack of water. This type of irrigation causes a build up of salt in the soil. (Desertification, 2005)  The Effects Of Desertification -Soil becomes less usable The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away rain. Nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which makes it harder for plant growth. -Vegetation is Lacked or Damaged Loosened soil may bury plants or leave their roots exposed.Also, when overgrazing occurs, plant species may be lost. -Causes Famine Places that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor land management contribute to famine. -Food Loss The soil is not suited for growing food; therefore the amount of food being made will decline. If the population is growing, this w ill cause economic problems and starvation. -People near Affected Areas Desertification can cause flooding, poor water quality, dust storms, and pollution. All of these effects can hurt people living near an affected region. The Facts of Desertification and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 2000)Case Stude: The Sahel Desert In the Sahel Desert, desertification is becoming a huge problem. Around the 1950’s, people settled into the Sahel region, in areas where there was water. This resulted in overgrazing, which is one of the greatest causes of desertification. Eventually, the perennial shrubs were destroyed because of grazing, and they were replaced by annuals. Then, the annuals were grazed out which left bare soil. A lot of the topsoil was washed away, and all that was left were rocks.Silt turned hard when it was hit by rain. Therefore, plants were not able to grow because there roots could not penetrate this hard layer. Now this region has turned to desert and it continues to expand. (Desertification, The Sahel, 2004) Records show that rainfall in Sahel has decreased and sands have shifted about sixty miles south into the area. Sahel is expanding due to lack of vegetation in the area. (Sahel, 2005) Another reason desertification is occurring in the Sahel region is because people are using the slashing and burning method to clear land.This degrades the quality of soil just like overgrazing. (Desertification-a Threat to the Sahel, 2000) Short Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel: -Soil loses its nutrients which makes it not useful -Overgrazing destroys vegetation and without it erosion occurs   -Land becomes salty which makes it difficult to grow crops Long Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel: -People die of starvation -Cattle die of starvation -The soil becomes completely useless (Prospects and Problems, 2004)|

The Minor Characters Of The Play A Doll House Essay

In Henry Ibsen’s A Doll House we see the impact the minor characters have in developing the play s climax, Dr. Rank’s role introduces the plot and influences the general readers understanding of the play. Dr. Rank is a minor character of the play. He appeared in the play regularly but yet always seemed to stay in the background, except for when he told Nora of his love for her. His mysteries and emotional baggage brings so much understanding and depth in major situations that are occurring in the play. Dr. Rank is more than just a friend of the family, his the physician of Torvald, and Nora’s secret admirer . Dr. Rank is a corrupt force in the play, both morally ( lack of respect of Nora s Marriage) and physical (illness). This play is set in 1879, this is important since the era provides the background for the theme of conflict within society that we see takes form in the play. When the play was released, it caused much controversy. Dr. Rank presence definitel y was a means to introduce conflict within society. His main functions in the play is to symbolize, foreshadow and introduce possible truths of marriage, life and society. He is also simultaneously breaks down the barrier between reality and deception. Foreshadowing commonly begins early in a story or play with dramatic hints, physical, and verbal hints that suggest there s more to come later. Dr. Rank is first introduced in Act I, he immediately gives insight into the conflict Nora will Face withShow MoreRelatedA Dolls House : Minor Characters Essay1212 Words   |  5 PagesA Dolls House : Minor Characters The supporting characters are important in themselves because they face the same type of problemsÂ…(Urban Parallels). Minor characters do a fantastic job of dropping hints to the major themes at the end of any play. 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