Antigone

Antigone

Antigone presents a topsy-turvy state of Oedipus's family after his death. The throne

becomes the vital key to the decay of family ties infected with greed, selfishness and sheer,

unchecked ambition. Antigone is presented as to mock the traditional heroine. She single

handedly sows the seed and brings about the revolution. It is immensely agonizing to see the

tragedy that she encounters. It is the difference in perception, ideals and values that bring about

the great clash. The play provides a deep insight into the ancient Greek society and the role

women played. Sophocles makes an effort into keeping the reader's attention by using suspense

and ensure that the play keeps the reader curious about what is coming next. It deals with the

issues of right and wrong and being able to stand up to your decisions irrespective of the

consequences.

Antigone deals with the issue of a revolution. The main reason behind the rising conflict

is the burial of Polyneices who betrayed his people and brought about devastation to them. It

must also be noted that Sophocles aims to provide an insight into the beliefs of the Greek back

then. The Greeks believed that if the dead doesn't get buried, his soul can never attain peace and

tranquility. Erwin Rohde, the author of Psyche states that in wartime, "The duty that the

survivors owe their dead is to bury the bodies in customary manner. Religious requirements,

however, go beyond the law." Antigone's desire to bury her brother not only brings about her

own tragic death but the downfall of Creon's rule. Creon is seen as a symbolic representation of

those who displease the gods and their wrath destroys them. Antigone for example says that,

"There is no guilt in reverence to the dead (scene two- 106) Nevertheless, there are honors due

all the dead. (Scene two 113)"

Sophocles makes his characters alive by their powerful personalities, their depiction and

association with the plot. The characterization ensures to take you on a time travel back in the

days of ancient Greece. Sophocles's Antigone is a strong, determined young lady who is as

motherly and sisterly as anyone could be. It is foreshadowed by her name that she will be the

main element of a great revolt. The writer keeps the interest alive through foreshadowing what is

coming. She can perceive the consequences of her actions yet stands by her decision to bury her

brother even if that meant her death. Antigone represents the strong-willed woman of ancient

Greece who