Antigone Political Deliberation

Antigone and political deliberation:

Good deliberation must be taught and habituated Deliberation is an important part of the political process, but it is easier said than done. Sophocles’ Antigone prompts readers to consider how political deliberation is vital to good governance, and what is required of citizens to participate in political deliberation. Within this theme, the play demonstrates the necessity of being taught how to deliberate — an idea that not only has implications for Thebes, but also for our modern world. I argue that it is impossible for citizens to engage in good political deliberation, especially in an autocratic, gendered society such as Thebes, unless they are taught and habituated to do so. In order to consider what

For example, in the first scene Antigone opens up a dialogue with Ismene about the burial of their brother Polynices. She lays the groundwork for what could be an effective deliberation by challenging the authority of Creon, and challenging Ismene to show her true colors (pg. 4, line 37). However, she fails to listen to Ismene’s point of view. Later on in the play when Ismene has a change or heart, Antigone is unwilling to reopen the possibility of collaboration, or recognize that Ismene shares her goals. Ismene recognizes the absence of useful deliberation when she says, “Why are you scolding me? It won’t help you (pg. 25, line 550).” Antigone’s admonishment of her sister is in no way helpful for achieving her primary goal of ensuring a proper burial for her brother. Even if Antigone has higher motives to stand up to authority and promote justice in the city of Thebes, it would still be counterintuitive for her to reject Ismene’s help. While some readers may argue that Antigone’s true intention is to gain personal glory by becoming a martyr for her brother, perhaps in reality she does not know how to engage in deliberation with Ismene. Antigone has taken her stance, and is unable to change her

The Athenians viewing this play would have been socialized to celebrate open dialogue, criticism, and public discussion. Sophocles writing places a clear value on striving for practical wisdom. In fact, the play ends with the chorus plainly stating, “Wisdom is supreme for a blessed life…Great words, sprung from arrogance, Are punished by great blows.” But how can one achieve this wisdom without proper education? The autocratic nature of Thebes contributes to a lack of political socialization surrounding deliberation. In one of Haemon’s monologues he states, “He’ll never dare to speak up in broad daylight / And say anything you would hate to learn (pg. 32, lines 691-692).” This statement openly acknowledges that the common men in Thebes are encouraged to not challenge leadership. For example, the Watchman fervently tries to explain how Polynices’ body vanished, knowing that Creon will not stop to engage in conversation before he makes a judgment about how to punish the watchmen (pg. 13). The Chorus, which represents the polis, also submits fully to Creon. Immediately following Creon’s decision to leave Polynices’ body above ground, the Chorus says, “Make any law you want—for the dead, or for us who live.” Unlike Athenians, deliberation is not a habitual instinct for Thebans because a dictator hands them final