Examples Of Maturity In Antigone

Similar to many other ideas and beliefs, people have different views on the true meaning of maturity. People may claim that age defines maturity, but others may claim otherwise. This leads to a question if true definition of maturity even exists, because there are a myriad of opinions. Therefore, it can lead to common misconceptions. However, it can come to a conclusion that phases of different experiences lead to maturity. In other words, maturity is being able to accept reality, undertake challenges, and establish self identity. In particular, maturity involves being able to accept reality. People cannot simply live a life of their dreams, in a utopia. Furthermore, accepting the fact that there are barricades in life reveals a level of maturity.

In Antigone, Antigone stays loyal to her dead brother, Polyneices, for she believes he should be buried. Antigone proclaims that “[she] will bury [Polyneices]; well for [her] to die in doing so...for [she owes] a longer allegiance to the dead than to the living” (Sophocles 84). Antigone demonstrates true loyalty and perseverance, which only exist in mature people. Although she knows she is under a risk, she continues to undertake that challenge and is able to handle the challenge like a cultured young adult. This illustrates a sense of maturity, and that it comes with character traits, not age. People today should also be able to confront what they believe are wrong, and participate in events in a well-mannered way. By doing so, a level of maturity is demonstrated. In like manner, undertaking challenges is also depicted in the short story, “Anthem.” Equality 7-2521, the protagonist, seeks for knowledge, but is forbidden from doing so. However, he challenges this by secretly going to an abandoned tunnel. Equality states that “[he] shall not report [his] find to the City Council,” which is evidently going against the rules (Rand 9). He challenges himself into this journey, which indicates that he is fighting for his rights. Towards the end, he runs off to the Uncharted Forest with the Golden One, and tells her to “fear nothing of the forest” and that there is “no need for [their] brothers,” and that “it is [their] own world...a strange, unknown world, but [theirs]” (Rand 31). This statement reveals Equality’s maturity in that he is not going to rely on anyone, and is ready to face any situation. Throughout the whole story, like Antigone, Equality is the mature one. He shows off individuality supporting his own rights without causing harm to others. Equality could have had a hard time expressing individuality in a conformed society, yet he does