Antigony

Antigone

This Sophocles tragedy seemed to touch many readers. This tragedy has made many people in present and antiquity rethink their purpose in life. This story also intended to raise many questions. One question that I will discus is what means more to you, social acceptance or staying true to your beliefs? This classic tragedy that I am referring to is called Antigone. This fascinating story touches many subject of social and religious matter. I will discuss the tragic turmoil of Antigone, her surrounding family, and the social and religious dilemma that Antigone faces that will ultimately decide her fate.

Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus and Jocosta. She also has a sister named Ismene and two brothers named Eteokles and Polynieces. Oedipus is also the son of Jocosta and the brother of the four siblings. The two sons, Eteokles and Polynieces, have been in a rivalry for power. This two were heir to rule Thebes after their father Oedipus died. After fighting and killing each other over power, Kreon, who is the brother of Oedipus, was next to being the king of Thebes. Because Polynieces attacked Eteokles, Kreon ordered that Eteokles be buried properly and Polynieces not to be given a proper burial ceremonies. The play begins as Antigone and Ismene discover the news that Kreon does not want Polynieces to be buried. Antigone plans to give her brother proper burial. Ismene obeys Kreon and wants no part of going against what the king has ordered. Kreon's messenger finds the buried body and hesitantly reports the news to Kreon. Soon after, his sentry captures Antigone in the act of burying her brother and takes her to the King to be punished. Antigone faces the king and does not deny any of what was accused of her. Even though Antigone admits to everything, Kreon does not kill her. He asked her why she would disobey him and risk being killed. Antigone answers by saying; she believed Zeus was not the one who proclaimed these orders. She was not fearful of one man, but she was fearful of the gods and disobeying the law of the gods was much worse than disobeying one man. Kreon has no pity on her and orders her to death. The son of Kreon, Haimon, is also the fiancй of Antigone. Haimon hears the news of his future wife to be put to death. Haimon is not angry with his father; he says marriage is not more important than his father's good leadership. Kreon then reassures his son of the verdict "No: I will kill her (Line 799). Haimon goes on to tell his father what the citizens say about this decision. Haimon tells his father that the people of Thebes believe that Antigone's fate should not be death but glory. They feel that burying her slain brother is a very noble deed. Haimon pleads with his father to listen to the people for once, "But it's no shame for even a wise man to learn and to relent" (Line 861). He continues to tell Kreon that he is not saying these things for his fiancй's sake, but for his sake because he is dishonoring the gods. Kreon is now also upset with his son and calls on Antigone to come forth and be throne in the dungeon where she will stay until death. After he sends Antigone to death, Teiresias arrives. Teiresias, the prophet, sees that Kreon's city is in turmoil and it is because of his principles. Kreon forces Teiresias to tell him his prophecies. Teiresias proceeds and tells him that he would lose a son of his own loins; furies of death will await him, weeping of women and men be heard in your house, and all enemy nations will be aroused. After hearing these prophesies from Teiresias, Kreon begins to have doubts about his principles. As Kreon thinks more about his fate, he becomes afraid, and gives into the prophesies. He acts at once to undo what he has done. Meanwhile, the messenger reveals to the leader of chorus that Haimon had killed himself because of his anger toward his father. As the messenger reveals this information, Eurydice, the wife of Kreon, asks them to repeat what was said. The messenger proceeded to tell her what had happened. The messenger told her that they opened the tomb and found Antigone hanged by the neck, and Haimon with his arms around her waist. Kreon saw him and went