Introduction to “Antigone”
”Antigone” is the most thought-provoking and still-relevant tragedy of the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. ‘Antigone’ was performed around 441 BCE; it is part of the playwright’s Theban trilogy, which consists of ‘Oedipus Rex’ and ‘Oedipus at Colonus.’ This classic drama raises some of the most interesting issues, among which are the relation between the individual and the state, the concept of justice, the gods, and the dynamics of power.
The action of the play is focused on Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, who violates the order of the king Creon and buries her brother Polyneices. Creon, the king of Thebes, has ordered that Polyneices, the invader who slew his brother, should not be buried but be left for the dogs to feast on as a man without the rights of burial. Antigone’s decision to bury her brother Polyneices is the trigger of the tragic events, which affect both her and Creon. In the protagonists’ sufferings and failures, Sophocles provides an analysis of the results of actions taken and the issues of morality and justice evoked.
Themes in “Antigone”
Theme#1
The Conflict Between Individual Conscience and State Law
Antigone: “Nor did I think your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions.”
The significant theme of the play “Antigone” is the conflict between individual conscience and state law. Antigone is convinced that the divine law according to which it is necessary to bury the dead is above the human law represented by Creon, who has forbidden to bury Polyneices.
Her rebellious nature stems from her ethical and spiritual stand which she considers is above that of any king. This theme focuses on the conflict between individual and societal norms, asking whether it is right to obey the law when it goes against one’s conscience. The play also shows the ultimate fate of Antigone, which is death, thus pointing to the possible repercussions of such a conflict.
Theme#2
Fate and Free Will
Chorus: “Wonders are many, and none is more wonderful than man. The power that crosses the white sea, driven by the stormy south-wind, making a path under surges that threaten to engulf him…”
Fate and free will appear to be major themes in “Antigone; the characters in the play fight with their destinies and decisions. The chorus speaks of the wisdom and resourcefulness of mankind; however, the events in the play show how people are vulnerable to the caprice of destiny and the gods.
Antigone feels she is destined to die for what she has done and thus accepting it emphasizes how fate plays a major role in Greek tragedies.
Creon uses his free will by enforcing the laws that he sets as the king, but he fails to understand the will of the gods and the result of his actions which lead to his own tragic death. This theme reflects the conflict between individuals’ free will and the power of the gods that govern the characters’ lives.
Theme#3
The Nature of Justice
Creon: “For whoever places a friend above the good of his own country, he is nothing: I have no use for him.”
Justice is one of main themes in the play, because the characters themselves, as well as the author, raise questions concerning justice. For Creon, justice is translated as the obligation and adherence to the state laws calling it the only rightful way that can maintain the order in the city.
Antigone sees justice in a different way, human perspective according to which people have to follow the gods’ orders to bury the dead and honor their kin.
The struggle between these two opinions forms the conflict in the play and serves to present questions concerning what justice is and whether it is for men to determine or it is relative to the commonly accepted codes of the society.
The fate of both Antigone and Creon also points out to the problems of maintaining the belief in one’s right and proper conduct or justice with limited regard for other people.
Theme#4
Power and Corruption
Haemon: “A city which belongs to just one man is no true city.”
The theme of power and the corruption is prevailing throughout the play. The use of rigid exercise of power and authority by Creon led to the tragic consequence of the play.
His lack of consideration of any advice, whether in the presence of Antigone, Haemon or the embellished prophet Teiresias effectively thereof shows the effects of tyranny.
Haemon attempts to contradict Creon and prove that a city governed exclusively by one man is not a city seriously threatens the authority of the controlled character and reveals the notion that decision and well-being of the state depend on the people.
Creon’s downfall shows a lesson that no one should be awarded extreme authority without responsibility, and the pride and lack human feelings are vices for rulers.
Theme#5
Family Loyalty vs. Civic Duty
Antigone: “It was not Zeus who made that order; nor did Justice, dwelling with the gods below, ordain such laws for men.”
The theme of conflict between the family loyalty and civic duty is significant, where Antigone’s main reason for burying Polyneices is her family obligation and her response to the fact of the divine right of burial.
This is in stark contrast to Creon who throughout the play considers the civic duty and loyalty as the highest virtue.
The conflict between Antigone’s duties towards her family and Creon’s desire for order, represent the struggle between individual duties and one’s responsibility towards a society, this play is a classic example to explain the responsibility towards the families as well as the society.
The disastrous consequences of the action to both of the characters demonstrate the impossibility of the struggling these demands and the possible negative effects which people and the whole society can suffer when they face the conflict.
See also: Themes in The Negro Speaks of Rivers
Theme#7
Gender Roles and Inequality
Ismene: “We are only women, we cannot fight with men, Antigone!”
Sophocles’ play “Antigone” speaks about the gender roles and inequality. Ismene’s request to Antigone evinces the societal expectation and limitations imposed on the women in the ancient Greece.
Antigone violates the instructions of Creon, and even though she is ready to face death challenge of these gender roles, which depicts her a powerful woman. Creon’s indifference attitude towards the fate of Antigone and his statement of male supremacy emphasizes the patriarchal nature of Theban society.
The writer by indicating the courage of Antigone and her actions, criticizes the gender norms of that society and emphasizes the strength of women.
Theme#7
The Tragic Hero
Creon: “I am the last and the loneliest, wretched king of all.”
The theme of the tragic hero is important in the play. The tragic heroes i.e. Antigone and Creon display the characteristics of a tragic hero that lead to their downfall.
In their conflicts with each other, Antigone does not adhere to the principles and never changes her mind and actions, which leads to her death. On the other hand, Creon suffers the death of his family and other misfortunes due to his pride and inability to change his mind.
Creon’s recognition of his errors and the subsequent suffering depict the tragic hero who obtains knowledge of his flaws at the wrong time. This theme emphasizes the concept of fate and the retribution of people’s vices in the framework of Greek tragedy.
See also: Themes in How Do I Love Thee
