List 5 egotistical celebrities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Who is the most arrogant person you know (could be one of the celebrities you named)? Do think think his/her excessive pride could lead to his/her downfall (if it hasn t already)?
Scene 3 Hubris One of the most common flaws in tragic heroes is hubris. This is excessive arrogance or stubbornness, that blinds one to the reason and wisdom of others. John F. Kennedy When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. Traits of a Tragic Hero Consider the definition of hubris each the statements about arrogance and pride. How do the compliment or parallel each other? Write a short paragraph the explains how the collections of statements builds your understanding of hubris in Greek Tragedy?
Scene 3 Traits of a Tragic Hero The primary trait of the tragic hero is hubris. In scene 4, Creon s hubris is front and center. Analyze how Creon demonstrates hubris by completing the exercise below concerning his statements from his conversation with Haimon. #1 So you are right Not to lose your head over this woman. Your pleasure with her would soon, grow cold, Haimon, And then you d have a hellcat in bed and elsewhere. Let her find her husband in Hell! Of all the people in this city, only she Has had contempt for my law and broken it. Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to break my sworn word? No, and I will not. The woman dies. #1 #2 How do each of the following statements reveal Creon s hubris and development as a Tragic Hero in the play? #2 I ll have no dealings With law-breakers, critics of the government: Whoever is chosen to govern should be obeyed Must be obeyed, in all things, great and small, Just and unjust! #3 #3 good lives are made so by discipline. We keep the laws then, and the lawmakers, And no woman shall seduce us. If we must lose, Let s lose to a man, at least! Is a woman stronger than we? #4 You consider it right for a man of my years and experience To go to school to a boy? #5 And the City proposes to teach me how to rule? #4 #5 #6 #6 My voice is the one voice giving orders in this City! #7 #7 The State is the King!
Scene 4 Traits of a Tragic Hero Antigone s Hubris The primary trait of the tragic hero is hubris. In scene 4, Antigone s hubris is blinds her from taking any responsibility for her doom. Look at the quotes below and compare them to Antigone s statements from scene 4. How do they relate? Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will his personal responsibility. Albert Einstein It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it. Sophocles A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make. Denis Waitley You have touched it at last: that bridal bed Unspeakable, horror of son an mother mingling: Their crime, infection of all our family! O Oedipus, father and brother! Your marriage strikes from the grave to murder mine. I have been a stranger here in my own land: All my life The blasphemy of my birth has followed me. What do Antigone s statements reveal about her hubris? How do her statements compare/contrast the quotes above? And yet, as men s hearts know, I have done no wrong, I have not sinned before God. Or if I have, I shall know the truth in death. But if the guilt Lies upon Creon who judged me, then, I pray, May his punishment equal my own.
Scene 4 Writing Exercise Explain how Antigone s hubris blinds her to her own responsibility for her circumstances.