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Central Tension Between Antigone And Women

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Having to choose between two things that are very important can be extremely difficult, and it is never easy, because no matter what you choose you are faced with the consequences that come with the choice you made. From an Ancient Greek point of view, Antigone represents individual rights as a person, highlighting the central tension between laws of the state and individual rights; however, from a contemporary perspective, she is a symbol of women's role in society, emphasizing the central tension between men and women’s role in society. Antigone is a very complex character, and by discussing her part in women’s role, individual freedom, and contrasting the two together we can get a more clear representation of why Antigone is a significant …show more content…

“I did not think anything you proclaimed strong enough to let a moral override the gods and their unwritten and unchanging laws. (Sophocles 449-452)” She believes that the laws of the gods and her own conscience are more important than the laws of the state. This conflict between the individual and the state is at the heart of the play and raises important questions about the nature of justice, morality, and the role of the individual in society.The conflict between Antigone and Creon, the king of Thebes, is a classic example of the tension between the individual and the state. Creon believes that obedience to the laws of the state is the highest virtue, and he is willing to punish anyone who disobeys them, even his own family members. “There is no happiness where there is no wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, and proud men in old age learn to be wise. (Sophocles 1346-1349)” Antigone, on the other hand, believes that the laws of the gods and her own conscience are more important than the laws of the state. She is willing to risk her life to bury her brother, even if it means going against the king's orders. Antigone believes that there is a higher moral law that must be obeyed, even if it means going against the laws of the state. This causes collisions between the two. She believes that the gods demand that her brother be …show more content…

Antigone's defiance of the state laws in ancient Greece shows that women are capable of making their own decisions and standing up for what they believe in, even when it means going against the law. Her story raises important questions about whether the laws of the state should always be followed, or whether there are times when individual freedom and conscience should take precedence. Antigone's actions also highlight the importance of protecting women's rights and ensuring that they are not overlooked or ignored. In ancient Greece, women were not given the same rights as men and were often seen as inferior. Antigone's story serves as a powerful reminder that we must always be vigilant in protecting the rights of all people, regardless of gender or other factors.In the end, Antigone's story is a powerful example of a woman standing up for her beliefs and fighting against the laws of the state. Her story raises important questions about women's rights and individual freedom versus state laws, and serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is

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In the play "Antigone", there are distinct conflicts between Creon and Antigone. Antigone beliefs of the gods in high reverence. She feels that the laws of the gods should be obeyed above all others, especially when it comes to respect to a family. Creon, on the other hand, feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other beliefs, or religious, stated otherwise. Regarding for the laws of the city this causes Creon to abandon all other beliefs.

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Antigone defies King Creon’s law and buries her brother as a way to help his soul find peace, while invoking divine law as a defense for her actions. A soldier catches Antigone in the act, but she does not attempt an escape or deny what she is doing. Instead, she simply accepts her punishment. Consequently, she is condemned to die. On another note, Antigone being female is a large factor in the story.

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