Is Antigone Crazy?

Insanity--there’s a fine line between it and sanity itself. But how do we find out when we’ve crossed that line, and what do we classify as insanity? It is said, in Sophocles’ play Antigone, that Antigone is crazy. Looking deeper into her character helps determine how insane she may very well be.

Antigone is a strong woman. She does what she believes shall be done, whether or not it, in the sense of the law, is wrong. She proves her strength and determination when saying, “‘And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory.’” (Sophocles 1331). This shows how determined she is to what she believes is right, regardless of the outcome.

Antigone is also an independent woman. She relies on no one but herself and the gods. She is bound and determined to give her brother proper burial rights. Whether her sister Ismene wishes to help or not, she will do it, regardless. She shows her sister she can and will so it without her when she says to Ismene, “‘You have your excuses. I

am on my way, I’ll raise a mound for him, for my dear brother.’” (1331).

Death, one obstacle in life ...