Antigone

Hidden symbolic messages are all around us. An everyday mirror may symbolize vanity while a children’s toy may represent innocence however, it is an hourglass that represents the inevitable passing of time and the certainty of death. This was unquestionably the case in Sophocles play Antigone. The role of women has changed significantly over time, and Antigone is a prime example as she does not follow the traditional footsteps of women before her but rather defines herself not by her gender but by her actions and words. Antigone represents the hour glass and her actions and words represent the sand from within. By standing up for what she believed in Antigone became one of the first influential women to stand up against the traditional male presiding authority.

Antigone shows no characteristics of fear and it was that mentality that helped her accomplish her goal when she stated “but I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy; I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me.” This quote was one of the first quotes establishing the vigor and determination that Antigone had by standing up for what she believed by expressing herself. For the first time you see a woman stand up against a man which was certainly unheard of. Antigone defies the logic that we are not what we are, but rather who society recognizes and allows us to be. In this time period society set restrictions on individuals that put certain parameters on their actions, words and even beliefs. Those restrictions and parameters when crossed relate directly to societies penalties of a loss of rights and most certain death.

King Creon who is the Uncle of Antigone did not inherit the throne but rather was appointed to it and imposed a higher regard for laws of the city which causes him to disregard all other beliefs. King Creon believes that all citizens should obey the laws that he has set forth even if they do not agree with moral and religious beliefs set forth by the gods. Antigone on the other hand holds the beliefs and laws of the gods with high devotion which must be submitted to above all others, especially when dealing with family. The denial of a proper and traditional burial to Polynices hits Antigone directly dealing with her personal family loyalty and duties as women. It was the women of the family that were in charge of a traditional burial for members of the family in Greek culture and by taking that duty away from Antigone, King Creon not only punished Polynices but also her.

Challenging Creon’s law with the determination that Polynices will be buried, Antigone accepted the consequences by boldly stating “I will bury him.” This challenge by Antigone is a direct verbal attack on Creon and his authority as the newly appointed King of Thebes. Creon looking for the public’s approval of his authority and power becomes very angry that a woman questions his sovereignty and condemns Antigone to death. Creon wants to be respected and feared as a king to show that he is the ultimate commanding leader in Thebes, and therefore uses Antigone as an example as she is the first person to deliberately disobey Creon’s orders.

Understanding the circumstances Antigone already had her mind set on her duties as a woman