Antigone

Definition

Antigone is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, part of his Theban plays, which tells the story of a young woman who defies King Creon’s edict to honor her deceased brother, Polyneices, with a proper burial. The play explores themes of duty, family loyalty, and the conflict between individual conscience and state law. Antigone's fierce determination to uphold her moral beliefs against oppressive authority makes her a symbol of resistance and highlights the complexities of justice and loyalty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antigone is one of three plays written by Sophocles that focus on the royal family of Thebes, alongside 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Oedipus at Colonus.'
2. The play addresses the tension between individual rights and state authority, showcasing Antigone's personal moral duty against Creon's legal power.
3. Antigone's act of rebellion is driven by familial love and loyalty, which raises questions about the nature of justice and moral obligation.
4. The play emphasizes themes of gender roles, as Antigone challenges the traditional expectations placed on women in ancient Greek society.
5. Antigone’s tragic fate leads to a cascade of consequences, highlighting how personal decisions can affect broader societal dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does Antigone's character represent the conflict between individual morality and state law?
  • Antigone embodies the struggle between personal conviction and societal rules as she chooses to honor her brother Polyneices by burying him despite Creon's explicit prohibition. Her actions highlight her belief that divine law and familial loyalty supersede human laws established by the state. This clash creates a central tension in the play, illustrating the difficulties individuals face when their moral beliefs contradict governmental authority.
• Analyze how Sophocles uses dramatic irony in 'Antigone' to enhance the themes presented in the play.
  • Sophocles employs dramatic irony throughout 'Antigone' by allowing the audience to be aware of the consequences of characters' actions before they do. For instance, when Creon insists on enforcing his edict against burial, the audience knows that this decision will lead to tragic outcomes for both Antigone and Creon himself. This technique deepens the emotional impact of the narrative, reinforcing themes such as fate versus free will and the inevitable nature of suffering that arises from pride.
• Evaluate how Antigone’s choices reflect broader social and political issues relevant both in ancient Greece and contemporary society.
  • Antigone’s defiance against Creon serves as a powerful commentary on civil disobedience and moral obligation that resonates across time. Her unwavering commitment to her beliefs raises essential questions about justice, authority, and the role of individuals in challenging unjust laws. In contemporary discussions about activism and personal responsibility, Antigone’s struggle reflects ongoing debates regarding governmental authority versus individual rights, making her a timeless figure for social change advocates.

Related terms

Creon: Creon is the ruler of Thebes in 'Antigone', who represents the law of the state and enforces a decree that forbids the burial of Polyneices.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre characterized by serious themes, often depicting the downfall of a noble character due to a tragic flaw or fate.

Hubris: An excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a character's downfall, prevalent in many Greek tragedies including those by Sophocles.