In the play Antigone, written by Sophocles, burial customs of the ancient Greeks play an extensive role. The women of the family perform the burial rites, and believed that if their distinct methods were not followed, the soul is destined to suffer between worlds until the correct rites were performed. Antigone, the sister of Polynices and Eteocles, is aware of this and is not going to stand by and let her brother, Polynices, linger between worlds in pain, after being killed by Eteocles. With her ambition and determination she does the deed, and of doing so she follows the god's laws, but breaks Creon’s laws in the midst of it. Creon is also aware of the burial rites but still decides, through his stubbornness, that Polynices shall not be performed these rites, because of his actions against Thebes. Haemon, Creon’s son, knew that his father’s decisions are not in the best interest for Thebes, so he tries sharing his perspective in the most respectful way, but ends up failing to get through to him. Sophocles portrays Antigone’s ambition, Creon’s stubbornness, and Haemon’s perspective, indicating that “unshakable …show more content…
These characters show unshakable willpower in different ways, but all end up with devastating results. Antigone’s ambition shows her passion for what she believes in, but still ends up committing suicide. Creon uses his unshakable willpower in a selfish, non heroic way and ends up alone. Haemon, a loyal and confident man, speaks his voice to save Antigone and lead Creon into making the right decision for Thebes, but also ends up committing suicide after seeing Antigone dead. Antigone and Haemon are honorable for their actions, but still did not get the positive turn out that they are searching for. They all use their unshakable willpower in different ways but still end up with a downfall of either dying or losing their loved