Antigone

Definition

Antigone is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles that tells the story of a young woman who defies the king's orders to bury her brother, Polyneices. The play explores themes of moral duty, loyalty, and the conflict between individual conscience and state law, making it a pivotal work in the history of theater and drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antigone was first performed in 441 BCE and is one of the oldest surviving plays in Western literature.
2. The character of Antigone is often viewed as a symbol of resistance against unjust laws and the importance of personal conviction.
3. The central conflict in Antigone revolves around the clash between Antigone's moral obligation to her family and Creon's duty as a ruler to uphold state law.
4. Antigone's tragic fate highlights the consequences of standing up for one's beliefs in the face of authority, which resonates with audiences throughout history.
5. The play has inspired numerous adaptations and reinterpretations across various forms of media, including modern theater, literature, and film.

Review Questions

• How does Antigone's character embody the struggle between individual morality and state law?
  • Antigone represents the conflict between personal morals and the edicts of the state through her determination to honor her brother Polyneices with a proper burial. Despite knowing that Creon, the king, has prohibited this act, she prioritizes her familial loyalty over obedience to authority. This struggle illustrates the broader theme of how individual convictions can challenge societal norms and laws.
• Evaluate the significance of Creon's role in Antigone and how his decisions reflect themes of power and authority.
  • Creon serves as a representation of state power in Antigone, embodying the idea that law must be upheld for society to function. His rigid adherence to his own decree against Polyneices' burial showcases his belief in authority over compassion. However, his eventual downfall reveals the dangers of excessive pride and inflexibility in leadership, prompting audiences to consider the balance between governance and humanity.
• Critically analyze how Antigone has influenced modern interpretations of justice and civil disobedience in contemporary society.
  • Antigone's unwavering commitment to her principles has made her a powerful symbol for movements advocating for justice and civil disobedience today. Modern audiences often draw parallels between her fight against oppressive laws and contemporary struggles for human rights and social justice. This timeless relevance emphasizes the play's exploration of moral responsibility versus legal obligation, challenging individuals to consider when it is appropriate to defy authority for a greater cause.

Related terms

Sophocles: An ancient Greek playwright known for his contributions to drama, particularly for his works like Oedipus Rex and Antigone, which have had a lasting impact on Western literature.

Tragedy: A genre of drama that deals with serious themes and often involves a protagonist facing downfall or suffering due to fate, moral failure, or societal pressures.

Theban Plays: A trilogy of plays by Sophocles that includes Antigone, Oedipus Rex, and Oedipus at Colonus, all centered around the cursed royal family of Thebes.