Critical Analysis of "Anitgone"
Critical Analysis of "Anitgone"
The Greek drama Antigone, written by Sophocles, has many antitheses. Among them are love versus hate, life versus death, and the state versus the individual. However, the dominant antithesis is the one of pride versus wisdom. Polyneices and Eteocles, two brothers, had killed each other in battle. Their uncle Creon, the new king, buried Eteocles with military honors, but forbad the burial of Polyneices as he considered him a traitor.
Antigone, the sister of them both, feels she has to bury her own brother even though it is against the king's will. The play begins with an argument between Antigone and Ismene, her sister. Ismene tries to dissuade her against burying Polyneices, because she is afraid that Creon will punish Antigone by death; but her effort comes to no avail. Creon became the king of Thebes after the death of the former king, Eteocles. Originally, Creon tries to do what is best for his country. However, he is a proud man. Even when he is wrong, he does not back down. Aristotle believed that some error or frailty brings about the misfortune of a character in a tragedy. For Creon, this frailty is a weakness in his character.
His excessive pride brings about his own downfall. I have nothing but contempt for the kind of Governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the State; and as for the man who sets private friendship above the public welfare-I have no use for him, either. I call God to witness that if I saw my country headed for ruin, I should not be afraid to speak out plainly.
Creon, being a new king, is determined to establish his authority. He is self-righteous and swears to do only what is best for Thebes. When he finds that Antigone has disobeyed him, he is outraged. He is harsh and unforgiving in his judgment of her. This is only amplified by the fact that they are kin. For Creon wishes to prove to his subjects that he is impartial, and does not lessen the punishment, even for his own family. Antigone is proud as well, and does not back down. Even in the face of death, she maintains her ideals and continues to believe that her actions are justified.
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