Explanation:
In literature the term tragedy is dealt with sad event or situation. This term is conventionally reserved for a type of drama in which the protagonists is defeated. Besides sad even or situation, tragedy is also imitation. According to Aristotle's poetic "tragedy is the imitation of and action with incidents arousing pity and fear, and to accomplish its catharsis of such emotion" (Locke and Gibson, 1962). The result which is expected from tragedy is that the audience should be purged of both pity and fear by the time the tragedy comes to an end. By suffering vicariously with the tragic hero, the audience has a greater moral awareness and keener self-knowledge.
"Antigone" is one of trilogy Thebes presenting a chronicle of traditions centering on the house of Thebes. Oedipus, King of Thebes has died at Colonus, but his two daughters and his son, Eteocles, continue to live in the palace of their father. However, when a second son, Polynices, makes war against Thebes to regain the kingdom both Eteocles and Polynices kill each other. Creon, their uncle becomes a kind and announces his law hat Eteocles who has died in defending his country will be given an honored burial, whereas Polynices who is regarded as an enemy will be left unburied. Whoever breaks the laa will be stoned to death.
Antigone, one of the daughters of Oedipus flouts at the order of Creon and gives Polynices the hurried burial; and act which affords the play in a tragic theme. Antigone buries Polynices because she is sure that her act is innocent and will be blessed by God. Creon's decision to execute Antigone is opposed by Ismene, Haimon and Teirresias.
Ismene is Antigone's sister. At first she refuses to help Antigone because she is afraid of Creon's law. But when Antigone is going to be stoned to death, she decides to follow her against Creon.
Haimon is a son of Creon and betrothed to Antigone. He tries to change Crean's decision with regard to Polynice's burial by telling that public, indeed, do not want to see Antigone being punished. He reminds Creon, if Antigone dies, her death will be followed by another. Haimon believes Antigone's action is honorable.
Teiresias is a blind soothsayer. He reminds Creon about his mistake. Creon rejects Teiresias's advice to set Antigone free. At last Teiresias warns his prediction about calamity which will happen.
Eurides is Creon's wife and Haimon's mother. When she knows that her son, Haimon, has died by being stoned, she decides to follow him.
Besides these characters, there are several minor characters in this play: the guard assigned to watch the unburied corpse of Polynices, the first messenger, the second messenger and the chorus of Theban. The chorus is considered as society, and the narrator in this play comments of the former and later acts.
The setting of the play is before the royal palace of Thebes at dawn of the day, after the repulse of the Argive Army, the enemy, from the assault on Thebes
