Theme Of Conflict In Antigone

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There are many conflicts that occur in Antigone by Sophocles. Many of these conflicts are man versus man and man versus self. There is one main conflict, which is man versus government, that leads to the several other conflicts that occur in the play. The overarching conflict forces many of the main characters to make decisions that test their strength, loyalty, piety, and integrity.
The overarching conflict that will mold the rest of the plot occurs when Antigone is in conflict with Creon. This conflict is representative of family versus government. Antigone does not share the same beliefs as the state. She makes a decision and acts on her beliefs. Due to her rebellious act against what the government has put in place Antigone runs into an
There are several examples where two characters are at odds with eachother, however, I think that one of the more important is Ismene versus Antigone. Ismene and Antigone are very similar yet very different people. Antigone is a rebel a revolutionary, she lives life by what is right in the eyes of the gods and in her heart before living by law. Ismene is a submissive and compliant women just as all other women of Athens.Women such as Ismene live their life according to the law and tradition of being submissive to the male authority. Both sisters know it is wrong for their brother to be left out and be scavenged but only one is courageous enough to act on it, Antigone. Ismene sees herself as less important or powerful than her male counterpart because she tells Antigone, “We are only women. We cannot fight with men, Antigone! The law is strong. We must give in to the law in this thing, and in worse. I beg the Dead to forgive me, but I am helpless. I must yield to those in authority. And I think it is dangerous business to be always meddling.” Although Ismene attempts to get Antigone to comply Antigone, despite what the law says, buries her brother and performs proper burial rights and is willing to suffer any consequence that comes her way. Antigone’s loyalty is to her family and the law created by the gods not the law created by man. Antigone was fearless in her
Ismene teaches the audience that you should not wait until the last minute to stick up for what is right. You have to fight for the fair treatment of others and demand respect. Antigone teaches the audience that no matter who opposes you from believing in divinity and just laws to stick to your guns. Perseverance and integrity are qualities that Antigone instill in the reader. Creon, who learns his lesson the hard way, teaches the audience that you cannot always be so stubborn and hardheaded. It is okay to admit your faults and not be perfect or right all the

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