Theme Of Family Loyalty In Antigone

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Stitch, Lilo and Stitch. In Sophocles’ Antigone and in Anouilh’s version of the play, family loyalty is a theme that plays an important role in the actions and the decisions of the characters. The theme of family loyalty is largely represented through the two main characters of the play, Antigone and Creon. The two are bound to two opposing sides of the law with family stances being most prominent reason for their divide. Through the characters of Antigone and Creon, Sophocles and Anouilh prove that duty is bound to family loyalty, regardless of how polarizing the reactions may be. This is shown through Antigone and Creon’s actions and decisions, determination and persistence,

She will only accept complete or no help at all, demonstrating how her decision is made in absolutes, with Antigone considering no other factors or consequences that may come as a result. Antigone demonstrates her resolve and her solitary motivation, as she brushes Ismene off harshly at any hint of hesitation. To do that indicates that she tolerates disloyalty to an extreme level, even if it comes from another member of her immediate family, even her own sister. This also reveals the fatalistic nature Antigone, as she says she is ready to die by breaking the law. By dying with her brother, Antigone feels like she would be more content than living on her own knowing that her brother is not being respected in his death. Similarly in Anouilh’s version of the play, Creon shows that his actions and his decisions are motivated by family loyalty as well. Creon attempts to save Antigone’s life from his own capital punishment since she is family to him. During Antigone’s imprisonment, Creon speaks with her,

By having Creon remember Antigone’s first doll, it demonstrates that he indeed is not a brute as he claims, and that he is just man who has to make difficult decisions. The doll represents a significant memory for him, as it indicates he does indeed hold the memory and the thought of giving the doll to her fondly. As well, by Creon reminiscing on a memory, it shows that he would prefer dealing with things positively, and enjoys the presence of that memory rather than the atmosphere he experiences currently. This also shows Creon’s attempt at connection and proactivity, trying to find a way to save Antigone, as any other person would have suffered the capital punishment of burying Polynices. In both Sophocles’ and Anouilh’s version of the play, they prove that family loyalty is a deciding factor on the decisions they make and the actions they take as a result. It is because of their loyalties, Antigone and Creon forgo the safe choices. Antigone decides that dying for the punishment of burying Polynices is worth the honour towards her brother. Creon decides that Antigone is to be saved, even when any other man committing this crime would be put to death. There are decisions that must be made for the greater good of the family. As decisions are made, their loyalty influences their determination and persistence to