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Femininity In Antigone

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In the greek tale of Antigone, the story of a woman’s strong will to seek justice and peace for her brother is presented. This bold presence speaks volumes to the expectations of women at the time. Her respectable actions of defying the state and even her own uncle, show her loyalty to her father and the gods. Furthermore, Antigone’s proud nature is a symbol of her strong moral compass as a citizen. These strong characteristics shape this woman as one who has many admirable qualities. Therefore, Antigone represents the integrity of the independent female conscience over the power of the state.
The expectations of a woman's role in Theban society is displayed by a conversation between Antigone and her sister Ismene. The conversation develops the idea that Antigone is going to defy the state and do what’s right and bury her brother. Ismene's reaction of “We are women… We must obey. We have no strength to defy …show more content…

However, Antigone’s ruthless and independent characteristics prevail as she states coldly to her sister “Your choice was to live… mine to die”. (389) This act of truthfulness and willingness to die by herself for her own actions makes Antigone even more respectable. The statement also proves that she knew what the consequence of her crime would be. And rather than try to hide or run from her actions she faced them with certainty which is something most could not say. Another admirable quality is that Antigone also acknowledges her limitations. In response to Ismene trying to stop Antigone from burying their brother, Antigone admits that there will be defeat but only after a long hard fight. This ideology is shown in this quote, “Then when my strength fails...I will give up”. (388) Which even in Antigone’s final days, she proved to be true. Therefore, Antigone's willingness to stand up for her beliefs illuminate her status as a proud

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Her scrawny and less desirable features make her an outcast compare to her sister. Who is the epitome of grace and desire in this time and age. Because of this Antigone knew it was her duty to bring justice to an unjust law. Being an outcast to society gave her the courage and strength to do what her sister Ismene could never do. She challenged the law.

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Although illegal, she knows that what she did was the right thing regardless of the outcome. Antigone is a selfless, smart, poised individual who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind or doing her own thing. This can be seen in how she reacts to conflict with not only Creon but other people and situations as well. Another example that demonstrates self-image reflected in conflict is once again when the sentry and Creon are arguing, but this time observing the sentry. While arguing about who may have buried Polynecies Creon yelled at the sentry saying that his talking was hurting his ears.

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Additionally, he states, “As long as I live, I will not be ruled by a woman” (pg. 22). As a man, he feels threatened by a woman who has the courage to disobey him. Even though he holds great power, Antigone is not afraid to challenge and stand up to him. After getting caught, she says, “No man could frighten me into taking on / The gods’ penalty for breaking such a law” (pg. 19). By standing up for herself in a male-dominated society, Antigone exemplifies a strong women not afraid to challenge the status

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In the Greek tragic drama, Antigone, by Sophocles Ismene is a foil of her sister. There are many characteristics that exhibit this, such as, Ismene’s lack of courage, how she chooses to follow civil laws over the laws of the gods, and finally, how Ismene cannot stand up for herself. There are many instances in the play where these traits are are exhibited. One way that Ismene is a foil of Antigone is because she lacks courage.

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In Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone, a woman’s individual conscience trumps state law when Antigone displays time and again that she values her divine motives higher than those of the state throughout the tragedy. Her continued defiance of the state’s authority marks the importance of her individuality through various scenes in Antigone. Knowing full well her role as a woman in a patriarchal society, Antigone goes beyond the powers of the common man to carry on morals of herself and family exceeding beyond immortality and death. Engulfed in the menacing misogyny King Creon set forth in the state, Antigone is determined to thrive and keep the sacred deeds of herself and family in tact despite the fate it bears. The character of Antigone exhibits

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Ismene represents the ideal woman citizen – obeys men, does not ask questions, and does what is asked of her. She also holds the beliefs that the government at that time set in motion. Ismene represents these beliefs when she argues, “Remember we are women, [we are] not born to contend with men” (74-74). She is telling Antigone that women have no place to challenge the authority of men because women have no power. Ismene believes that women are at the hands of man, born to do their every will without question.

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