The goal of the feminist movement has generally been to seek equality between the sexes. Through the women's movement, women have won the right to vote, and have become competition for males in the workplace. Although the feminist movement has largely taken place during the last 200 years, there are figures in history that have embodied characteristics of the feminist of modern day. One example of this is the character of Antigone in Sophocles' Antigone.
             Antigone first shows her feminist qualities when she chooses to challenge the most powerful male in Thebes, Creon the King. The challenge occurs as both defiance of Creon's laws in Antigone's burying Polynices, and during at on Creon himself. In lines 500-524, Antigone has her first conversation in the play with Creon. She is very strong in her tone and her opinion. "I've been accused of folly by a fool." (lines 523-524) This line, in particular, suggests Antigone's feminist opinion by saying that Creon is a fool. Such opinion shows that Antigone does not show Creon respect for either being a man in a patriarchal society or the king. By speaking with the strength of a man, she is pushing for equality of the sexes.
             There could be many reasons for Antigone's motivation to bury Polynices. First, Antigone could be using her statements about divine justice as a justification for suicide. Antigone seems to get pleasure from the thought of suicide. She claims, "if I am to die before my time, I consider that again. Who on earth, alive in the midst of so much grief as I, could fail to find his death a rich reward?" (lines 515-518). Antigone has led a horrible life full of grief and humiliation, as shown in that quote also. In regards to the reason for suicide, she could also desire to leave this world with glory since she is prepared to die. "Give me glory! What greater glory could I win that to give my brother a decent burial?" (lines 561-563). Antigone might also have more noble intenti...