The play Antigone by Sophocles is a famous Greek tragedy that has intrigued many audiences alike for many centuries. This play dives into the themes of family loyalty, fate, and individual conscience. In this play, we witness the tragic consequences of a young woman’s decision to pursue justice and defy authority. Sophocles’ Antigone is a heroine like no other.
She is loyal, outspoken, and prideful; traits that make her different from her ancient Greek peers and challenge the oppressive system of gender roles and family obligations. This essay will discuss how Antigone’s characteristics threaten the patriarchal society of her time.
Throughout the play, Antigone exhibits a steady sense of loyalty, both to her family and her values. Antigone
…show more content…
She believes that it is her job as a sister and a human being to offer him the proper burial rights, which then motivates her to disregard the orders given by her uncle. “A specious pretext. I will go alone / To lap my dearest brother in the grave” (Antigone / 4). Antigone remains loyal to Polyneices despite opposition and risks her own life to ensure that he receives a proper burial. She remains steadfast in her beliefs and does not waver, even when faced with imprisonment and death. Her loyalty also extends to her own values and beliefs. Throughout the play Antigone remains loyal to her brother and the gods, who she believes have higher authority than the laws of the state. She demonstrates her belief that honoring her family and the gods is more important than obeying the laws of the state.
Although Antigone is loyal she is also a very outspoken character. Antigone is not afraid to speak out against authority when she believes it is necessary. She fearlessly stands up for what she believes in, even in the face of criticism. When Antiogone buries Polyneices knowing what the consequences would be, that never stopped her from speaking her mind when she
Terrie Lewis
comma
…show more content…
/ Martyred by men of sin, undone. / Such meed my piety hath won.”
(Antigone / 30). Antigone speaks her mind to try to stand up for what she knows is right. She stands up to the authority of her uncle and defies his decree to leave her brother’s body unburied. She believes in the importance of honor to family even if it means risking her own life.
Antigone is also outspoken when she is talking with her sister Ismene in the beginning of the play about burying their brother. “Sister, forbear, or I shall hate thee soon, / And the dead man will hate thee too, with cause. / Say I am mad and give my madness rein / To wreck itself; the worst that can befall / Is but to die an honorable death.” (Antigone / 5). Antigone believes that her sister should share in the responsibility and honor of burying their brother. However, Ismene initially refused to help bury their brother, despite Antigone’s insistence that it is the right thing to do. Ismene is hesitant to go against the decree, while Antigone wants to go on through with the burial to show respect for their brother and to the gods.
Antigone is prideful because she shows a fixed commitment to her beliefs and