Sophocles People Must Take Moral Responsibilty for Their Lives

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“Sophocles suggests that while gods can predetermine or influence human action, they do not necessarily define one’s character. People are responsible for finding out who they are and where they belong; they must then take moral responsibility for their lives” (Textbook; pg. 466) Sophocles was a very successful playwright, during his lifetime. His work includes Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Within his plays, he clearly illustrates the difference between appropriate and inappropriate, ancient Greek culture and behavior. Such behavior includes the difference between men and women roles. Men had all the power, and were the rulers/kings, in which no one questioned their law, whereas women had no roles of power, and it was highly inappropriate for them to question the law, and a man for that matter. Along with people’s behavior, Sophocles’ plays displayed the ancient Greek culture. The characters’ strong belief and support of the Greek gods and goddesses really outlines their religion. In his play, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is the protagonist and ruler of Thebes. He is confronted with the truth, and mentally can’t handle it. Even though Creon may be the true tragic hero in Antigone, he is not the main focus. Antigone, herself, Oedipus’s daughter, is the target of the play, displaying inappropriate, female, Greek behavior. So, when a character acts out on emotion, disaster strikes, but when a character acts accordingly and to the rules of society, they are safe. The difference between Antigone and her sister, Oedipus being blinded by the truth, and both of their actions, causes them to be examples of how Sophocles shows his audience the correct manners.
One can learn the importance of the ancient Greek culture, from Antigone (bo...

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...gether, one can see how much alike they are. They both had major downfalls, and there were reasons behind their actions. In Each character goes against the morally correct ways of society. Based on their actions, Sophocles teaches his audiences many things.
Antigone and Oedipus both show readers and audiences the consequences of behaving immorally and against the ancient Greek culture. Both of these protagonists face the consequences from their actions, whether knowingly or not. Audiences and readers are taught proper and improper ways to behave, from the rule of the ancient Greece. It was very important to follow the rules and be law- abiding citizens because if not, there were harsh punishments and executions, as seen in Oedipus Rex and Antigone. So, in conclusion, Oedipus and Antigone display improper and inappropriate ways of behavior, from their time.

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