The Theme of Death Analyzed in "Antigone"
The Theme of Death Analyzed in "Antigone"
In the play Antigone, Sophocles poses many different themes and moral lessons. The specific component I would like to focus on is selfishness and its effects. Through the character’s various actions and ultimate fates, Sophocles teaches us that selfish, self-serving motives lead to destruction, loneliness and loss. Two characters that exemplify the consequences of selfishness are Creon, the King, and Ismene, Antigone’s sister. Antigone, of course, being the heroin of the story reinforces this lesson by contrast. While Ismene and Creon are punished for their selfish acts, Antigone is honored for her pure intentions.
In the beginning, Creon depicts a moral stand on politics by refusing the burial of Polynices, Antigone and Ismene’s brother, and a traitor to the state. His first relevant address as the new king begins with an honorable notion,
I could never stand by silent, watching destruction
march against our city…
nor could I ever make that man a friend of mine
our country is our safety, (p.68, lns 207-211).
However, this noble speech quickly proves it’s true nature. It is, so to speak, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “Polynices …he must be left unburied, his corpse/carrion for the birds and dogs to tear,/an obscenity for the citizens to behold.” (p.68 lns 222-231). With these powerful words and the vigor with which they’re spoken, it is clear that Creon is not solely concerned with the well being of the state. The vengeful passion expressed by this verse could only be born from a man with a desire for revenge. Revenge is the initial driving force behind Creon’s stubbornness regarding Polynices’ burial. Revenge for the infiltration on his home, and revenge for the loss of beloved family members and friends during the savage war brought on by the band of rebels. Although he tries to maintain that his concern is for the good of the state, as the play progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that his motives are selfish.
Reason presents itself after the report of the ritual burial of Polynices, when the leader of the chorus states, “My King…/I’ve been debating in my mind,/could this be the work of the gods?” (p.72 lns 314-316). In ancient Greece, the gods were the most powerful, influential beings in everyday life. Citizens, as well as royalty, worshipped them and fully believed in their power and the need to be faithful and true to the divine laws. Unfortunately for Creon, he...