Antigone

Definition

Antigone is a tragic play by Sophocles, centered on the conflict between individual moral duty and state law. The story follows Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, who defies King Creon’s edict to bury her brother Polynices, believing that familial loyalty and divine law supersede human authority. This struggle illustrates themes of justice, civil disobedience, and the consequences of choices within the framework of ancient Greek theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antigone is part of a trilogy known as The Theban Plays, which includes Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus.
2. The play emphasizes the clash between Antigone's loyalty to her family and Creon's adherence to state laws, raising questions about morality and justice.
3. Antigone has been interpreted as a feminist text, highlighting themes of female agency and resistance against patriarchal authority.
4. Sophocles uses dramatic irony throughout the play, as the audience is aware of the tragic outcomes before the characters themselves realize it.
5. The character of Antigone has become a symbol of civil disobedience and moral integrity in various social and political movements.

Review Questions

• How does Antigone’s choice to defy Creon reflect the themes of individual versus state in ancient Greek theater?
  • Antigone’s decision to bury her brother despite Creon’s orders highlights the tension between personal ethics and governmental authority. Her actions illustrate the belief that moral duty to family and divine law surpasses man-made rules. This struggle embodies a core theme in Greek theater, showcasing the tragic consequences that arise from standing up against unjust laws.
• Discuss the role of the Chorus in Antigone and how it enhances the narrative and themes of the play.
  • The Chorus serves as a crucial narrative device in Antigone, providing commentary on the unfolding events and reflecting societal views. They help guide the audience’s understanding of moral dilemmas faced by characters, particularly regarding loyalty to family versus obedience to authority. Through their insights, the Chorus underscores major themes such as justice, fate, and human suffering, enriching the play’s emotional depth.
• Evaluate how Antigone's character can be seen as a precursor to modern concepts of civil disobedience and social justice.
  • Antigone exemplifies principles that resonate with contemporary ideas of civil disobedience, standing firm in her beliefs against an unjust law. Her defiance against Creon not only reflects personal conviction but also serves as a critique of authoritarian governance. This portrayal resonates with modern movements advocating for social justice, illustrating how her struggle remains relevant in discussions about moral responsibility and activism today.

Related terms

Tragedy:

A dramatic genre that depicts the downfall of a noble hero or heroine, often due to a tragic flaw or fate.

Chorus:

A group of performers in ancient Greek theater who comment on the action and themes of the play, often reflecting public opinion or moral lessons.

Hubris:

Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to a character's downfall, often seen as a key element in Greek tragedies.