The tragic elements of Antigone are Hamartia, Hubris, Peripeteia, Anagnorisis, Nemesis, and Catharsis.
Aristotle termed Hamartia to tell about the tragic flaw which the protagonist must undergo. This occurs in the hero’s life because of an error in judgment. Often this happens unknowingly. Antigone wants to be a martyr as she presumes that she knows about God’s will. Hence, her actions are seen directly contradicting Creon’s orders.
Hubris refers to the condition when the hero falls into the extreme level of pride and ambition when he finds himself to be greater and mightier than God. As a result, he starts to offend and challenge God, which becomes a reason for his downfall. Antigone resists the orders and laws made by Creon who was the King. She sets herself above the laws and orders of the king which becomes the reason for her downfall.
Peripeteia is the reversal of fortune which the hero undergoes. The reversal happens as the result of the change of fortune. This shift turns the life of the hero from good to bad because of Hamartia or the error of judgment. Tiresias convinces Creon to set Antigone free. This results in a reversal in the life of Antigone.
Anagnorisis is that point in a tragedy when the hero or the protagonist becomes aware of his/her or others’ real identity. The recognition or discovery of reality changes the way the hero investigates life. The audience knows very well what Antigone is unaware of. She is unaware of the fact that Creon was on his way to pardon her and set her free.
Nemesis is that point in the tragedy when an agent occurs in the hero’s life which becomes inescapable for him. this brings a punishment or a serious harm to the life of the hero. Before the arrival of Creon, Antigone hangs herself and dies.
Catharsis is that state which evokes the feelings of pity and fear among the audience. The audience feels pity at the end when the characters’ life ends in distress. This feeling is the product of the above all tragic flaws which reoccur in the plot. At the same time, they feel fear from the higher authorities and the outcomes which would result if they don’t follow the orders and law. The audience gets to know that Antigone, Haemon, and the queen all died at the end of the play because of Antigone’s righteous pride. This brings the feeling of pity from the audience. The feeling of fear lingers in the audience' mind too. They feel terrified to think of the results of disobeying the higher authorities in real.
