Role of Gender in

A detailed Summary of Role of Gender in


Antigone lived in a patriarchal society where women were subordinate to men. Women had only a limited amount of freedom and were expected to conform to the ideologies of society. Antigone's gender is a crucial part of this Greek tragedy, her gender affects the meaning and perhaps even the consequences of her actions. Ancient Greeks viewed the role of men as more significant than the role of women, though it is interesting to note that this play is entitled "Antigone," the name of a female character.

Antigone and her sister, Ismene, were two very different women. Ismene was the perfect Greek woman. She was the complete opposite of her sister, Antigone. She accepted that men were the stronger sex and Creon frightened her. She believed that authority should be obeyed. She accepted her servitude to men and had no desire to push the limits. Even if Ismene had wanted to bury her brother she would not have done so. Her loyalty and fear were much too strong to be overpowere


d by her wants. She argued with her sister that women could not fight against men or the laws of the state. Ismene told her sister, "Remember we are women, / we're not born to contend with men." (Lines 74-75).

Generally the people of Thebes agreed with Creon that Antigone should be punished. The Chorus only develops sympathy for her at the very end. The people of Thebes were appalled that a woman would do such a terrible thing. However, Haemon and Ismene were able to see past her illegal act and remain faithful to her. There are many readers which believe if Antigone were a man, she would not have been punished, though this is an issue that will forever be debated and never solved. But it is fairly certain that if Antigone were a man, there would be no story.

It wasn't Zeus, not in the least, / who made this proclamation - not to me. / Nor did that Justice, dwelling with the gods / beneath the earth, ordain such laws for men. / Nor did I think your edict had such

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ancient Greeks, Nor Justice, Die I've, Antigone I'm, , Haemon Ismene, Creon Antigone, Thebes Creon, gods /, antigone punished, antigone story, mans law, people thebes, gods law, / nor,

Approximate Word count = 662
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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