Analysis

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Recommended: Summary of antigone by sophocles

Sophocles wrote the classic tragedy Antigone in 496-406 BC this play dramatizes the conflict between self-morality versus human law by representing each conflict by two characters; Antigone and Creon. In this play Antigone decides to bury her brother Polyneices regardless of the king Creon’s decree. After Antigone is caught Creon decides that the punishment of death will be enforced. This sets of a chain reaction of conflicts between Antigone and Creon, both filled with pride and will. The chorus states that the gods vigorously punish the proud, yet punishment brings wisdom. ( )
In nearly every play it is common for two characters to be in conflict yet it could be argued that this play represents a power struggle. Is this conflict over who is doing the right thing or is this play about the power struggle between an all ruling king and a strong willed woman? Antigone plays the role of a woman challenging the control of a king, this in which isn’t heard of in the time period of the play. Antigone represents most of Aristotle’s criteria of a classic tragedy, especially tragic conflict. This conflict arises between two characters whose power struggle causes tragedy through the play. It is apparent that power will be the cause of tragedy when the play opens.
Morality versus Law is the main conflict that characterizes this play. Each side of this conflict is represented by the two main characters of this play; Antigone as the morality of an individual and Creon as the power of the law. Antigone rises up and becomes a threat to the law in which Creon has made. Meeting the criteria of a tragedy, Antigone presents two characters that fill the role of tragic hero. Both Antigone and Creon are high up by birth, make a mistake that causes a ...

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...woman brought up resilient morals? Sophocles didn’t make this play about a man and a man having a conflict, but instead a woman and a man, this is for a reason. This play was supposed to show its audience a new type of woman, a woman that could hold her own and stand up for herself. This was a change for the time period yet has a great impact. Antigone could be said to be the woman version of Creon; both stubborn, strong, and passionate. They come in conflict when neither are willing to back down from their stance, each set in their ways. Two tragic heroes that have a goal in mind for good, yet goes about it the wrong way.
In conclusion, when you have a play based around a tragedy, conflict is a component that creates the content of the play. Antigone and Creon represent this tragic conflict, their power struggle helped convey the deeper meaning of the play.

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