And They Lived Happily Ever After… Or Did They?

Aside from all other aspects that make a story or character tragic, the largest indicator is the culmination, the ending. More often than not, “Antigone” is classified as a tragedy with tragic characters who begin their stories unaware of mistakes that they are to make and the realization, catharsis, and wisdom that later emanates from the original situation, often leading to the resolution. Perhaps most interesting about this story is not the strong will of the characters or their dynamics but the indecisive ending that Sophocles seemed to give it. With the personal strength of Antigone, Haemon, Ismene, and Creon, the ending seems to be weak. It seems to have an air of happiness.

First, it’s important that to note that modern society often sees happy endings as giveaways, cop-outs, and ultimately something that is expected. It has become negative in many ways to add a happy ending to a story with such a mentality. What readers now look for is a resolution of sorts that solves mysteries and rights relationships but leaves a little guesswork. Arguably, the story of Antigone ends with a happy ending. Not, however, a traditional comedic one with marriage or a definitive solution but instead one with moral development in which the character and audience find the understanding a source of happiness. And, for the most part, that is perfectly achieved at the end of “Antigone.” Creon has discovered that the death of his future daughter-in-law, Antigone, his son, Haemon, and his wife, Eurydice is his fault. This realization brings about a wisdom that allows him to grow emotionally and mentally. But, despite all the “happiness” of Creon’s understanding, his and others’ “ever after” lingers mystifyingly.

What happened to Creon, the Crown, Thebes, Ismene? Perhaps these were kept secret to keep readers thinking even after the story was finished. Or, perhaps it was because Sophocles wished to portray the perfect ending, even as the events continued spiraling out of control. Sparing the life of Creon was an interesting twist, considering all of the pain he had caused his family members and fellow citizens of Thebes. Then again, this must have been done purposefully to further accentuate the “happiness,” in the form of enlightenment, to which he achieves through the original ending. And as for the crown, it would appear that Creon retained the crown, however, it may have been passed on after his spectacular downfall and exploitation of insecurities. Thebes must have maintained itself and built up against future troubles leaving its people stronger and more tolerant than ever. Ismene’s future must have retained little purpose after all the deaths. All close family members had passed away leaving her to fend for herself in the city of Thebes. The initial ending of Sophocles’ story is bare leaving so many lingering questions. Whether or not it maintains a happy ending is debatable. With a perspective of growth and development we see happiness as success for Creon and Thebes. However with the unreasonable amount of deaths at the end, the traditional happily ever after is a happily never after.