Introduction
In ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles, Antigone is really determined to bury her brother, even if it means she might die. This shows she cares a lot about her family and what she thinks is right. On the other hand, in Plato’s ‘The Apology,’ Socrates gets sentenced to death because he won’t change his philosophical ideas. He acts calm and says real philosophers shouldn’t be scared of dying.
Also, Antigone and Socrates have different reasons for getting in trouble. Antigone gets in trouble for not following a rule from the government, while Socrates is accused of teaching the wrong things and introducing new gods. This essay will talk about how their thoughts about death are similar and different and what it means for crime, punishment, and society. It will help to understand how people’s beliefs and society’s rules played a role in Ancient Greece.
Pericles’ “Funeral Oration”
In Pericles’ “Funeral Oration,” he delves into the significance of death and what it means in their society. He emphasizes that death, especially in the service of one’s city, holds a special place. Pericles also outlines the detailed rituals that accompany death, illustrating how these ceremonies are a vital part of their culture (Pericles 3). When a person passes away, their body is treated with respect and care in a specific manner, highlighting the reverence for the deceased.
Furthermore, the living plays a crucial role in these funerary practices. They don’t just mourn; they actively participate in the rituals, delivering speeches and eulogies to honor the departed. This engagement of the living underscores the communal aspect of these funeral ceremonies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within their society. The role of language is significant in these ceremonies, with speeches and oratory being central. Words have the power to console, inspire, and honor the memory of the deceased (Pericles 3). Pericles’ “Funeral Oration” is also intertwined with the political context of their time, as he speaks about democracy, societal values, and the city’s ideals.
Antigone and Socrates: Crimes and Punishments
The lives of Antigone and Socrates, two individuals who found themselves at odds with the prevailing norms of their societies. Antigone’s transgression stemmed from defiance of a government decree, a decision that was seen as an act of disobedience to the state’s authority (Plato 42). On the other hand, Socrates faced charges due to his philosophical musings, which challenged established beliefs and irritated some people who held influence.
What makes their stories even more intriguing is the contrasting nature of the punishments they received. Antigone’s penalty was notably severe, underscoring the uncompromising stance of her society when it came to enforcing its laws. In contrast, Socrates was met with a different form of punishment, signaling a divergent approach to justice within his community. These disparities in punishment shed light on the fundamental differences in the rules and notions of fairness that governed their respective societies (Plato 47). The way they administered justice and perceived what was equitable varied significantly, as evidenced by the outcomes for Antigone and Socrates.
However, it is not just the penalties they received that reveal the essence of their characters; it is also their reactions upon learning of their impending deaths. How Antigone and Socrates responded to their grim fates speaks volumes about their individual personalities and their ability to confront daunting circumstances. Their reactions provide valuable insights into the depths of their characters, offering a window into who they were as people and how they navigated challenging situations.
Attitudes Toward Death: Antigone vs. Socrates
In examining the attitudes of Antigone and Socrates toward death, one can find revealing quotes from ‘Antigone’ and ‘The Apology.’ Antigone’s perspective is exemplified by her unwavering determination, as she states, “I will bury my brother.” This reflects her strong commitment to doing what she believes is right, even in the face of death. Socrates, on the other hand, approaches death with a rational perspective. He is quoted in ‘The Apology’ as saying, “To fear death, my friends, is only to think ourselves wise without being wise, for it is to think that we know what we do not know.” (Plato 49) This demonstrates his belief that true philosophers should not fear death, as they acknowledge their ignorance.
Comparing these two viewpoints, Antigone’s attitude is characterized by her unwavering determination, while Socrates’ perspective is marked by a rational acceptance of the inevitable. The differences in their attitudes can be influenced by their individual circumstances and beliefs. Antigone’s strong familial duty and moral principles drive her to embrace death, while Socrates’ philosophical ideals lead him to accept it with equanimity.
In this comparison, it becomes evident that their acceptance of death differs. Antigone embraces it out of duty, while Socrates welcomes it as a philosopher who values wisdom over fear (Sophocles 73). These distinctions shed light on the complexity of human attitudes toward death and the diverse factors that influence them.
Society, Law, and Democracy
In Pericles’ “Funeral Oration,” there are insights about society, the law, and democracy. Pericles talks about how these things are important in their city. He says that people have a say in how things are run and that their city is based on laws and fairness.
Socrates, too, challenged the accepted beliefs of his time, which angered some people who had power. These actions and beliefs of Antigone and Socrates show how societal values and laws played a big role in what happened to them. Their decisions and what ultimately happened to them were deeply influenced by the society they lived in and the rules and ideas that were important at that time.
Last Words of Antigone and Socrates
Antigone and Socrates left behind some last words that reveal a lot about who they were. In her final moments, Antigone said, “I go to wed the dead.” These words show her unwavering commitment to her family and her belief in doing what she thought was right, even if it meant facing death. He believed that death was not something to be feared and even made a practical suggestion to pay a debt before he died.
Looking at these final words, it can be seen how Antigone’s last words reveal her acceptance of death in pursuit of her values, while Socrates’ last words emphasize his rational attitude toward the end of life (Mintz 260). This provides a glimpse into their differing attitudes toward death and their responses to the challenges they faced, whether through defiance or acceptance of their sentences.
Conclusion
This essay has examined the attitudes toward death expressed by Antigone and Socrates, highlighting their contrasting perspectives and responses to their impending demise. It has also explored the societal differences and beliefs that shaped their fates, shedding light on the interplay of individual convictions and collective values. These ancient narratives continue to offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between individual beliefs and the influence of society, challenging readers to reflect on how the past informs our understanding of human attitudes toward death and the role of societal norms in shaping our actions and beliefs in the present day.
Works Cited
Mintz, Avi I. “Plato, the Poets, and the Philosophical Turn in the Relationship Between Teaching, Learning, and Suffering.” Studies in Philosophy and Education 41.3 (2022): 259-271. Web.
Pericles, “Funeral Oration”. Translated by R. Crowley. Paths to Civilization: Readings in the Intellectual Heritage of the Western World. Dubuque: Kendall, 1999.
Plato. “The Apology”. The Last Days of Socrates. Translated by Hugh Tredennick. London: Penguin, 2003. 39-70.
Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by Robert Fagles. London: Penguin, 1982.