Antigone
There are many principles that exist in Sophocles' "Antigone". Three that are at stake in the central conflict are; the role of gender, pride, and human law vs. moral/divine law. Within these principles, the principle of power is intertwined. The principle of the role of gender is explored throughout "Antigone". The role of gender is a key principle as Creon relates women to being inferior to men. They must obey a man's every command, and if they should go against man, then they should be punished. Antigone opposes this role every opportunity she obtains. She tries to gain power by burying her brother and standing up to King Creon. It opens up by Antigone speaking to Ismene. Antigone wants to giver her brother, Polyneices, a proper burial even if this means she will be violating the decree of the king. Ismene reminds Antigone that they are only women. This means that they are vulnerable. Ismene feels she is powerless, while Antigone wants to gain power as a woman. "I will not put dishonor on them, but to act in defiance of the citizenry, my nature does not give me means for that," stated Ismene. (89-91) Here it is expressed that the role of women is limited. She says her nature does not enable her to do so.
moral/divine law are the principles at stake in the central conflict. The role of gender, pride, and human law vs. Eurydice, his wife, could not handle all that had occurred, and commits suicide as well. "Yes, it was not Zeus that made the proclamation," stated Antigone. He must realize that human law is beneath divine law. (1134-1142) Creon's pride is slowly disappearing as he has just heard a terrible prophecy. Creon that accuses Teiresias of being a greedy manipulator. Antigone must be called upon immediately. By becoming a martyr, she will no longer be under the influence, and control of men, and would have control over herself. Antigone has crossed that line, and is trying to change her status, and role as a woman. They would think of him as a weak king. (84-5) Through martyrdom Antigone can gain power. Creon responds to this by saying, "Should the city tell me how I am to rule them?"(794) He is enraged at this point.
Common topics in this essay:
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Acceptance Essays
