Antigone is a story that narrates the differences between practicality and idealism, civic duty and family loyalty, and actions and their respective consequences. It is mainly based on those complex decisions which are based on loyalty and those complicated relationships. It enlightens the audience on two main viewpoints: that of a young idealist in Antigone’s character who was very determined to serve her family. The kinship between Antigone and her uncle King Creon became a complex entanglement. Tragedies for example Antigone indeed played a key role in educating Athenian Citizens on the role in society.
The play Antigone contains more than one tragic hero, Antigone, and Creon. The stubborn nature of Creon costs him dearly. Creon says, “ It is blasphemy to suggest that the gods have any interest in this corpse. Did they want him buried so they could load him with honors as a benefactor? (Antigone, 3)” This shows his stubborn nature which he pays costs him dearly. Antigone on the other hand showed great courage which was unusual in Greek mythology. For example when she was talking with her sister Ismene. She says, “ Do as you like; I shall bury my brother. I know it’s right, die if I must! My crime will be holy. I am his and I shall lie buried with him.(Antigone 5)” This shows she was courageous and determined to bury her brother irrespective of the consequences.
Antigone’s inherent defect was that she did not listen to other people’s advice. For example, when Ismene advised her on keeping the secret of burying her brother, she did not listen to her. If cat she tells her not to be part of the plan again. After Creon learns of Antigone’s disobedience he confronts her but Antigone refuses to back down. Creon decides to execute her because he was furious at being disobeyed by a woman. Later, Creon’s son becomes upset with him which leads to his downfall. Antigone’s mistake was disobeying the law and Creon’s mistake was being arrogant even to his son. Sophocle’s play does not justify Aristotle’s conditions since it is descriptive rather than imitative(Beer Kevin 07:15.-09:15). The major theme depicted in this play is the theme of disobedience.
Reference
Beers, Kevin. “Antigone.”Youtube. 2018. Web.