The opening scene of Antigone sets up the central problem of the play: Creon's enforcement to keep Polynices unburied and Antigone's urge to break this strict order. Polynices' punishment is a reaction to his dual with his own brother, resulting in “each killed by the other’s sword” (42). Creon offers Eteocles a burial “with military honors”, but refuses to offer the same rite to Polynices who, “fought as bravely and died as miserably” (16, 18). The reasoning behind this is because Polynices represents the enemy of the polis: a traitor who is unworthy of the most basic privileges. In response to being an invader of the city, and the killer of his brother, Creon refuses Polynices burial – the ceremony to put his soul to rest.
Antigone finds herself opposing Creon’s decision regarding Polynices and his refusal of a burial. Her determination is displayed when she says, “Creon is not enough to stand in my way” (35). Antigone’s willingness to rebel against the law as much as facing possible death presents the opportunity of a close-knit relationship between herself and Polynices. She sees the civil order as forbidding her participation in a rite solely composed for women, thus denying her role in society. Through her defiance and her disregard for her own life, Antigone declares a love for the dead, and even deeper, her love for death itself. Antigone’s deceleration, “I am not afraid of the danger; if it means death,” is an outright demonstration of her bravery to “bury the brother [she] love[s]” (80, 62).
The political cartoon you choose is interesting because it shows how women are bound by restrictions. Antigone is bound to Creon’s declaration but embraces feminist ideals to defy the restrictions placed on her. She challenges the standards of those before her and those in power to stand up for her brother and honor.
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoyed your analysis of Creon's treatment of the brothers. In the sense of discretion, Creon has far too much pull. Creon decides to defame Polynices because of his own reasoning. Yet, Eteocles receives proper funeral rights! Creon's negligence to laws and tradition shows the power of a monarchy. If one person holds all the cards then they can make the rules as they go. The idea of a spoiled monarch permeates all throughout history -- fictional or real. The Greek's truly had a developed sense of humanity and how power easily corrupts what people (at some point in time) hold most dear. Creon throws away family ties simply to make a point.
ReplyDelete