The brilliant characterization of Antigone sets the stage
for this tragedy. Immediately the reader
is introduced to a strong willed Antigone.
She is upset by the improper burial of her brother Polynices and
implores her sister to assist her in burying their brother. Creon makes “a city-wide proclamation…[and] forbids
anyone to bury him, even mourn him.” (l. 33-34)
Despite this proclamation, Antigone pressures her sister to help
her. This event shows Antigone’s loyalty
to her family even though her brother is considered a traitor. She risks death in the name of family and
love. Antigone is a strong female lead
in a time where women are “not born to contend with men” and must submit to “much
stronger hands” of those “who stand in power.” (l. 75, 77, 80) She defies the standards set for women and
goes on to challenge the king.
A quote
by Morihei Ueshiba describes Antigone’s devotion, “Loyalty and devotion lead to
bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of
self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.” She is brave for standing up to the king and
remaining loyal to her traitor brother.
This bravery leads self-sacrifice because she risks being stoned to
death. She proves her love and devotion
to her family through her possibly deadly risk.
The loyalty she shows is commendable because she is willing to risk anything
for her families honor. Antigone
explains to Ismene that she will “suffer nothing as great as death without
glory.” (l. 112-113)
I admire Antigone for being so loyal to her brother. I wonder if she fully thought out the consequences she would face if she got caught. Antigone will definitely be a disgrace and won't receive a proper burial. Also, like her sister mentioned, they are women and back in that time woman were highly disregarded. She took such a big risk to defy the king and the law to bury her brother, Polynices. Would you take such a risk like Antigone or stay safe like, Ismene?
ReplyDeleteAntigone's strong-spirited risk to honor her brother has me questioning her own safety from Creon. Will this play follow the journey Antigone encounters to provide her brother with his proper burial, or will it center around the same circumstances Polynices has suffered, only with Antigone as the new "traitor"? Creon has warned the city to forbid any burial for Polynices or else suffer the consequences, so I'm curious as to how Antigone's plan will play out. The tragedy in this Greek play may end up being Antigone facing the same refusal of a burial like her brother Polynices.
ReplyDeleteI would hope to be as loyal as Antigone. Even though her brother was a traitor she could not just let him be food for the birds. Her dedication the family, especially in such a tumultuous time for the city and her family, is admirable. Antigone’s defiance of Creon’s proclamation shows her strength and bravery. Unfortunately these excellent traits are likely to get her in a lot of trouble.
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