By looking at gender differences in Antigone, we can see the importance of the female role within the tragedy, which most readers don't see. This is important because the story revolves around the power struggle between the main male and female characters, Antigone and Creon. If the female roles were male, the tragic and heroic effect would be diminished.
             With Antigone containing only male characters, many differences in the ruling of Thebes would occur. When King Oedipus was banished from the city of Thebes, the kingdom was left to be shared by his two sons, Polynices and Etocleos. Having four children, Oedipus' two sons along with Antigone and Ismene, this would now give Thebes four possible heirs to the throne. This factor alone would give Antigone a whole new setting and change the tone for the entire story. When Etocleos refuses to give up his kingship to Polynices, the dispute is directed between the two brothers, without Antigone and Ismene's commitment to either side. Being male would force them to take sides, which could turn the battle in a whole new direction. Antigone is loyal to both sides in the story, but as a man she could not be neutral.
             The act that put Antigone to her death may have never occurred, were she not female. When Antigone goes to bury her brother, Polynices, loyalty, love, and her faith in the gods drive her. Although King Creon has forbidden the covering or mourning of Polynices body due to his disloyalty against Thebes; Antigone's loyalty is directed to the gods and she disregards Creon's words. Loyalty is different between a man and a woman. While women feel loyal to their family and loved ones, men reserve their loyalty for their country and the law. At the time, honoring Polynice's death was more important than even her own life. Without the heart of a woman, Antigone most likely wouldn't have been so set on this. Less emotion, along with commitm...