Antigone :: essays research papers

Antigone, a play written by Sophocles, became a classic due to its timeless subject matter. In this play, the Greek dramatist reflected mainly on civil disobedience. Antigone believes in individual rights over state rights. Creon, however, strongly believes in putting state over religion. The play non only revolves on these two political and religious issues, provided it also deals with the battle of the sexes.The play is about a strong-willed woman, Antigone, defying the laws of a proud king, Creon. Antigone is mangled between her devotion to the gods, her brother Polynices, and her loyalty to the king. Creon, ruler of Thebes, issued the order to leave the traitor Polynices body unburied. He must be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an grossness for the citizens to behold (229-31) Antigone was not about to simply obey Creons absurd decree. She felt that her personal responsibility was to the gods and her family rather than the king. She then ask ed Ismene, her sister, to assist her with the burial, but was denied either help. Ismene justified her decision by telling Antigone that they were already punished and that there was no need to make matters worse for the two of them by defying Creons law.Oh my sister, cogitate- think how our own father died, hated, his reputation in ruins, driven on by the crimes he brought to light himselfto gouge out his eyes with his own hands- then get downhis mother and wife, both in one, mutilating her life in the twisted noose- and last, our two brothers dead in a single day, both shedding there win blood, poor suffering boys,battling out their common destiny hand-to-hand. (60-69)I, for one, Ill beg the dead to forgive meIm forced, I have no excerptI must obeythe ones who stand in power. Why rush to extremes?Its madness, madness. (78-81)Antigone was disappointed at first, but decided that she will bury Polynices with or without Ismenes help. You have your excuses. I am on my way,Ill rais e a mound for him, for my dear brother. (95-96)Creon was warned about a plan to bury Polynices and later found the culprit, Antigone. He issued a death sentence for her defying action. Creon informed his son, Haemon, of his fiancees deceit. Haemon, however, defended his beloved fiance. He told his father that the whole city was on her side, but everybody was afraid to speak out against him.