II. Theme
In Antigone, there is a common thread of rebellion that runs throughout the story. In the opening scene, Ismene is trying to persuade Antigone to abandon her plans to bury their deceased brother. Antigone asks Ismene to join her, but she refuses. “ISMENE: I do not dishonor them, but to do this against the state – I have no strength for it
ANTIGONE: Use that excuse, if you like, but I indeed will go and heap a tomb for my dearest brother.” (page 16, 79-82) Her response angers Antigone, and she is further prompted to defy the law. Because Ismene had always been seen as the better sister, Antigone is determined to best her at something, even if it means her death. When Creon first learns that Antigone is the criminal, he makes plans …show more content…
“HAEMON: No, not in my sight – never think this can happen! She’ll not die beside me, and you will never lay your eyes upon my face again, so rage with any of your friends who can bear it.” (page 42, 776-779) Haemon rebels against his father by rushing to free Antigone from the tomb. Though, once he discovers her corpse, he takes his own life in a final act of defiance.
Creon visits the town prophet, Tiresias, o determine whether or not his decision to kill Antigone was in accord with the will of the gods. “TIRESIAS: Obstinacy brings the charge of stupidity. Yield to the dead, don’t kick a fallen man!” (page 50, 1031-1033) Tiresias advises against the murder, and Creon is furious at Tiresias for contradicting his decree with his prophesy. Creon rebels against him by ignoring the prophesy and, ultimately, the gods. There is also a minor theme of regret that appears in the last scene when Creon discovers all of the harm he has caused to those he loved. “CREON: I have nowhere to turn to, nothing to lean on, for everything goes cross in my hands, and a difficult fate falls on my head.” (page 62, 1344-1347) As Creon looks back at the path of destruction he has left in his tracks, he is filled with self-hatred and regret. He knows that he must pay for the consequences of his unwise decision for the rest of his
In Antigone, there is a common thread of rebellion that runs throughout the story. In the opening scene, Ismene is trying to persuade Antigone to abandon her plans to bury their deceased brother. Antigone asks Ismene to join her, but she refuses. “ISMENE: I do not dishonor them, but to do this against the state – I have no strength for it
ANTIGONE: Use that excuse, if you like, but I indeed will go and heap a tomb for my dearest brother.” (page 16, 79-82) Her response angers Antigone, and she is further prompted to defy the law. Because Ismene had always been seen as the better sister, Antigone is determined to best her at something, even if it means her death. When Creon first learns that Antigone is the criminal, he makes plans …show more content…
“HAEMON: No, not in my sight – never think this can happen! She’ll not die beside me, and you will never lay your eyes upon my face again, so rage with any of your friends who can bear it.” (page 42, 776-779) Haemon rebels against his father by rushing to free Antigone from the tomb. Though, once he discovers her corpse, he takes his own life in a final act of defiance.
Creon visits the town prophet, Tiresias, o determine whether or not his decision to kill Antigone was in accord with the will of the gods. “TIRESIAS: Obstinacy brings the charge of stupidity. Yield to the dead, don’t kick a fallen man!” (page 50, 1031-1033) Tiresias advises against the murder, and Creon is furious at Tiresias for contradicting his decree with his prophesy. Creon rebels against him by ignoring the prophesy and, ultimately, the gods. There is also a minor theme of regret that appears in the last scene when Creon discovers all of the harm he has caused to those he loved. “CREON: I have nowhere to turn to, nothing to lean on, for everything goes cross in my hands, and a difficult fate falls on my head.” (page 62, 1344-1347) As Creon looks back at the path of destruction he has left in his tracks, he is filled with self-hatred and regret. He knows that he must pay for the consequences of his unwise decision for the rest of his