Antigone :: essays research papers

Antigone, a trifle written by Sophocles, became a classic delinquent to its timeless subject matter. In this play, the Greek dramatist reflected mainly on civil disobedience. Antigone believes in individual rights over state rights. Creon, however, strongly believes in putting state over religion. The play not only revolves on these two political and religious issues, unless it also deals with the battle of the sexes.The play is ab expose a strong-willed woman, Antigone, defying the laws of a proud king, Creon. Antigone is torn mingled with her devotion to the gods, her brother Polynices, and her loyalty to the king. Creon, ruler of Thebes, issued the order to leave the double-crosser Polynices body unburied. He essential be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an filthiness for the citizens to behold (229-31) Antigone was not about to simply obey Creons skew-whiff decree. She felt that her personal responsibility was to the gods and her family r ather than the king. She then asked Ismene, her sister, to assist her with the burial, but was denied any help. Ismene justified her decision by telling Antigone that they were already penalise and that there was no need to make matters worse for the two of them by defying Creons law.Oh my sister, think- think how our own father died, hated, his reputation in ruins, drive on by the crimes he brought to light himselfto gouge out his look with his own hands- then motherhis mother and wife, both in one, mutilating her brio in the twisted noose- and last, our two brothers dead in a case-by-case day, both shedding there won blood, poor suffering boys,battling out their common destiny hand-to-hand. (60-69)I, for one, Ill beg the dead to forgive meIm forced, I have no choiceI must obeythe ones who stand in power. Why rush to extremes?Its madness, madness. (78-81)Antigone was disappoint at first, but decided that she will bury Polynices with or without Ismenes help. You have your excu ses. I am on my way,Ill raise a mound for him, for my dear brother. (95-96)Creon was warned about a plan to bury Polynices and subsequent found the culprit, Antigone. He issued a death sentence for her defying action. Creon informed his son, Haemon, of his bride-to-bes deceit. Haemon, however, defended his beloved fiance. He told his father that the whole city was on her side, but everybody was afraid to speak out against him.