Glory In Sophocles Antigone

In Sophocles’ Antigone, the main plot consists of Oedipus’ daughters, and the pain and suffering that they endure, due in large part to Oedipus’ infamous legacy. During the play, both of Oedipus’ sons, Eteocles and Polynices, kill each other in battle, leading to a dangerous situation and a fatal choice, brought about in part by Antigone’s fiery personality and her determination. Although, at first glance, it would appear that Antigone’s decision to bury Polynices’ body is based off of her bravery and courage, it later becomes apparent that she is only doing so because she is seeking attention and glory.

Antigone’s willingness to risk her life to bury Polynices, further highlights her longing for glory. When she finds out about Creon’s decree,

Once the guards catch Antigone, they bring her before Creon. He sentences her to death, as his original decree had indicated. When he questions Ismene on her involvement, she tells Creon that she “did it … [and] shares the guilt, and the consequences too” (86), meaning that she would face execution as well. This infuriates Antigone, who asks Ismene “who did the work” (87)? She then goes on to say that she cannot share Antigone’s death, and tells Ismene to “[not] lay claim on something [she] has not touched” (87), and that “[her] death will be enough” (87). Antigone feeling so strongly against her sister dying alongside her, shows her true intentions. She is unwilling to let Ismene share any of the glory that Antigone feels she has just achieved. This shows that the glory and attention is more important to her than her brother getting a proper burial, or her sister’s desires. It is not clear if Ismene was trying to take partial credit for the burial, or if she just wanted to die with her sister, rather than stay lonely in a world with nobody left to support her. If it was the latter, then Antigone’s reaction is not only in poor taste, but also proves how obsessed she is with the theme of pride, as she believes that Ismene hasn’t done enough to earn