Bridal Imagery of Antigone

A detailed Summary of Bridal Imagery of Antigone

In the play Antigone, by Sophocles, the protagonist, Antigone, defies all of the beliefs held by the society she lives in, and breaks the king's law on account of her own morals. Originally, one of Antigone's two brothers was supposed to take control of the throne, however, in a duel over the crown, they both died. As a result of her brothers' deaths, her uncle, Creon, the antagonist in the play, is given control of throne of Thebes. "I now possess the throne and all its powers, by nearess of kinship to the dead." (Oates/ O'Neill, 193) Creon held the belief that of Antigone's two brothers, Eteocles should have rightfully taken control of the throne, because he felt that her other brother, Polynices, had been disloyal to the city of Thebes. Polynices, therefore, was not given the honor of a formal burial, which was considered a very valued ritual in Thebes. "But for his brother, Polynices,- who came back from exile, and sought to consume utterly with fire to the city of his fathers and the shrines to lead the remnant into slavery;- touching this man, it hath been proclaimed to our people that none shall grace him with sepulture or lament, but leave him unburied, a corpse for birds and dogs to eat,

What ought to be Creon's most conflicting decision throughout the play, is whether he should put Antigone to death for betraying his laws, or he should take the advise of Haemon, Antigone, and the people of Creon, and allow her to live. Though Antigone does go against her uncle's wishes, and laws, Creon immorally ignores family ties, and sentences Antigone to death. Antigone though is not only tied to Creon as his niece, but she is also engaged to be wed to his son, Haemon. It is a wedding that can no longer take place as a result of her sentence. Ironically however, Antigone is sent to be buried in what is referred to as a "bridal chamber." This is the first appearance of the bridal imagery in the play. Antigone also makes many speeches to the people of Thebes to make them aware of her situation, so that they can pity her. "See me people of my fatherland, setting forth on my last way, looking my last on the sunlight that is for me no more; no, Hades who gives sleep to all leads me the chant that brings the bride, nor hath any song been mine for the crowning of bridals; whom the lord of the Dark Lake shall wed." (Oates/ O'Neill, 216) This is where Antigone truly accentuates the bridal image in order to gain pity, sympathy, and support from the people. Haemon, in turn, takes the words of Antigone and the words of the people of Thebes to his father in hopes that he will sympathize with their feelings. Haemon argues with Creon to try and make him see what a profound influence Antigone has had on him and the people alike. Creon however, does not allow Haemon's arguments to get through. "Thou canst never marry her, on this side of the grave." (Oates/ O'Neill, 214) Though Creon is outwardly very stubborn about his decision to put his niece to death, and rob his son of a wife, he is internally hurt because everyone is siding with Antigone and Haemon. He asks repeatedly if it is right that people have say in the actions taken by their government. Sophocles makes it inconspicuously known that Creon is distraught over whom he ought to listen to. Creon, however, remains in his stubborn character and follows through with the death sentence for Antigone. Antigone makes one last!

ow to deal with the sudden and tragic death of her son, so she takes the only way out that she knows. The bridal image, though a chain-reaction is shown primarily through the death of the bride of Creon in this example. Creon is not aware of his wife's death as soon as it happens; he is stead informed by a messenger. "Thy queen hath died, true mother of yon corpse-ah, hapless lady!- by blows newly dealt." (Oates/ O'Neill, 231) After receiving the ill news of his bride's tragic death, Creon finally begins to see the true consequences of his actions. "Ah me, this guilt can never be fixed on any other of mortal kind, for my acquittal! I, even I, was thy slayer, my servants, lead me hence with all speed, whose like is but as death!" (Oates/ O'Neill, 233) Creon basically says that he is now aware that he is responsible for driving his niece, his son, and his wife to death, and now he is

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Approximate Word count = 2070
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts