Examples Of Egalitarianism In Antigone

Moriah Story

Professor Ryan-Johnson

Comp II

February 26th, 2023

Title Pending

According to Sebastian Junger, a strong sense of community is beneficial for humans. For example, in Tribe Native American populations created a tight-knit community in which the people were loyal and trustworthy to the point that it appealed to the civilized citizens of the Americas (Junger 8-15). Another example is that during a natural disaster, people tend to grow closer together, creating a community. Junger says, “The one thing that might be said for societal collapse is that - for a while at least - everyone is equal” (43). This suggests that the societal collapse that comes after a natural disaster prompts a sense of egalitarianism. Instead, of focusing on

By evaluating the book through the lens of community one can understand the benefits and flaws of this idea. Antigone displays the deep flaws of humanity that destroy a community. In her last speech, she says, “I have no home on earth and none below, not with the living, not with the dead” (941-942). She laments her apparent isolation, without a community. However, Antigone selfishness has made her overlook the people that do care for her. Multiple characters in this story manifest their care for her. Her sister Ismene shows her care by trying to protect Antigone from violating Creon’s decree. Ismene tries to talk her sister out of risking her life by saying, “Now look at the two of us, left so alone/think what a death we’ll die, the worst of all if we violate the laws” (70-72). She knows the outcome and does not believe it is worth the risk to their lives. Ismene’s love, not her fear, drives her to this conclusion because, in the end, she is willing to die with her sister However, Antigone selfishly rejects her sister's willingness to die with her

He tries to trick his father into sparing the life of his bride. Haemon says that the city does not believe that Antigone is a criminal he declares, “The whole city of Thebes denies it, to a man” (821). Then Haemon eventually takes his own life to mourn the death of his bride (1250-1265). His willingness to die for her shows the kind of love that is evident in a community, therefore Antigone was not without community. Antigone’s selfishness led her to believe she had no one. Selfishness whispered, “If they do not agree they do not care, look out for yourself above all else and do not do what is suitable for your community”. If Antigone was not selfish the story would have been short, she would do what is best to preserve her community and the three of them could have lived happily ever