Antigone Analysis

Did you know? Sophocles was the most awarded writer in dramatic competitions in the city of Ancient Athens. One of Sophocles significant play was Antigone. Antigone was an overriding tragedy written around 442 B.C. The play primarily focuses on the power of the state and individual moral sense, and feminism which was a huge issue in Ancient Greece during that time. Although, it was not Sophocles intentions to make a trilogy of Oedipus, it is the third of the Three Theban plays following Oedipus the King, and Oedipus at Colonus. Antigone’s playwright, Sophocles early life inspired the historical context and significant themes presented in the play.

Sophocles was a famous Greek dramatist, who was born in a village named Colonus, son of an affluent

In this quote, Creon reveals his sexism, and how he does not want a woman to be master or ruler in the City of Thebes. Not to mention, this was a very rare theme presented in plays published in Ancient Greece. Another major theme presented in this play was rules and order. Although, Antigone was Creon’s niece, she was still sentenced to a death penalty. When Antigone tried convincing Ismene to help her, she states “Remember this too that the stronger rules; We must obey his orders, these or worse. Therefore, I plead compulsion and entreat. The dead to pardon.” Ismene refuses because she is afraid of the strict laws, and it is better to not get involved. According to Britannica, “In distinct contrast with the Greek philosophy of justice, the positive law of ancient Greece had little influence on later developments. Its concepts and methods did, of course, widely determine the legislation and practice of Hellenistic monarchies, and a few institutions of Greek origin…”. Meaning the strict rules that the Greeks had more negative than positive impact in society. Lastly, the major theme presented in this play is fate. In Ancient Greece, many people believed in fate and fortune tellers. Starting from Oedipus the King, the major theme was fate. No matter how much Oedipus tried running from it, he still ended up marrying his mother one way or another. Also, in Antigone, she understands her fate and the consequences to what she was doing. She still buries Polyneice’s body and also admits her crime. According to Macaulay Edu, “Antigone was not the only character of the play with a fate that she lived up to. For example, Creon is destined to be alone after his decisions lead to the deaths of almost everyone around him. He ignores the consequences of his actions at first and attempts to correct his mistakes but not until it is too late.” When the prophet comes to Creon, and tries to explain the consequences of his actions,