Antigone

A detailed Summary of Antigone

Issue of male authority and challenges to that authority in the play "Antigone".

In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, Creon and Antigone have distinct conflicting values. Antigone first demonstrates feminist logic when she chooses to challenge a powerful male establishment. This establishment is personified by her uncle Creon, who is newly crowned as the King of Thebes. Creon poses to be a major authority figure in a patriarchal society. Creon's regard for the laws of the city causes him to abandon all other beliefs. He feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other beliefs, moral or religious, state otherwise. Antigone, on the other hand, holds the beliefs of the gods in high reverence. She feels that the laws of the gods should be obeyed above all others, especially when in respect to family. The bold, tradition-braking character of Antigone clearly clashed with the overpowering patriarchal dominance of Creon. This collision between characters gives rise to the conflict between the sexes in Sophocles' "Antigone." The denial of burial to Polynices strikes directly at her family loyalty. This enormous sense of loyalty leads to her simultaneous violation and observance to the duty of women of the time. It

In conclusion, Antigone in Sopocles's Antigone demonstrates feminist thoughts in several ways. She first challenges a powerful male establishment headed by her own uncle. Creon is devoted to his laws, while Antigone is loyal to her beliefs. Antigone as a woman acting out of obligation and duty, to the gods, her family and her conscience is the exemplum for her society. Antigone did not run from her death sentence suggest an inherent bravery and obstinacy which the chorus recognizes before her departure to her death. Her legacy will live on, and inspire many other rebels to stand up for their beliefs. Antigone's strong feminist stance in defying a patriarchal tyrant shows how individualistic ideas and actions can be very effectual.

Creon, being a new king, wants to prove his abilities as a firm and strong administrator. Creon wants to be respected and feared as a king because this will prove him to be the ultimate authorative figure in Thebes. He stands for obedience to the State. Surely it is his voice the townspeople should obey. Creon abuses his power to force others to accept his point of view. This extreme dominance conflicts head-on with Antigone's bold unwomanly challenge to Creon's authority. Creon made many convictions insulting womenkind. His convictions seemed true a large population of men. He uses her to set an example for the entire city of Thebes, for Antigone is the first person to ever deliberately disobey Creon's order not the bury her late brother, who has been declared a traitor of the city. "Imagine it: I caught her naked rebellion, /the traitor, the only one in the whole city./ I'm not about to prove myself a liar,/ not to my people, no, I'm going to kill her!"( 94,ll.731-734). Creon refuses to co

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Approximate Word count = 1168
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts