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Examples Of Characterization In Antigone

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Antigone uses characterization to help the readers better understand his characters. An example of how Sophocles presents the character's traits, is through dialogue. Dialogue is a discussion between two or more people. The beginning of the play begins with Antigone talking with her sister, Ismene. Antigone is adamant on burying her brother, Polyneices. However, she is resolute in her answer no matter Ismene´s efforts to convince her to do otherwise. Antigone says, ¨But I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy¨ (4). The author immediately starts the book by showing the readers how strong headed and determined Antigone is. The reader gets an insight to her personality. She also says, ¨...It will not be the worst of deaths ––death without honor¨ (5). Since Antigone is the heroine …show more content…

The story takes place in the city-state known as Thebes. The setting helps the readers figure out the hows and the whys of this specific location and the significance behind it. The play mostly takes place in front of the palace. Everything takes place in front of the palace for a reason. Sophocles places the scenes in front of the castle to show the audience that what Antigone does is not unnoticed by Creon. However, it also shows how much power Creon holds. As he says to Haimon, ¨My voice is the one voice giving orders in this City!¨ (23). Then Haimon responds back by contradicting him and saying, ¨It is no City if it takes orders from one voice¨ (23). And since the readers know Creon is the King of Thebes, the audience can infer that the setting is surrounded with sentries that report back to him. Thebes is controlled by Creon. Sophocles wanted the readers to understand this so the audience could better see how this a very one sided quarrel. Thus the stark reality is that the setting is not the most ideal place for the heroine but for the

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