Zoya Siddiqui Antigone’s Rule
What would have happened if Antigone had come into power in Sophocles’ famous play, Antigone? Would she have been able to restore Thebes to its former glory? The answer in no. Antigone’s inherent nature would have prevented her from ever being a successful ruler of Thebes. However, this is not necessarily her fault, it is simply the way she is. However, this would have led to Antigone’s leadership being tainted with rash decisions and impulsive actions. Those qualities were just a part of her personality, and if she had been more mature, she might have been able to outgrow them. Unfortunately, the city of Thebes will never know the answer because Antigone was so irrational, it resulted in her death. A girl like that could never be an accomplished ruler. At the time Antigone takes place, Antigone is only a teenager. Historically, it was common for children of her age to be ruling entire countries, but there is a reason that practice ended. According to the NIH, human brains do not “fully mature until around age 25” (Teen). This is especially significant when it comes to the prefrontal cortex, the part the brain responsible for decision making. Scientifically, Antigone …show more content…
Ismene herself says that Antigone is “too headstrong” (Sophocles, 163). Furthermore, at the end of the play, the chorus states that one of the most important traits a ruler can have is being wise. That is exactly what Antigone is not. Her stubbornness prohibited her from being anything that resembled wise. This consequently led to her burying Polyneices, despite the fact that it was illegal, and Ismene begged her not to. She was so adamant in her decision that she would not even consider how her sister, who was also her only living relative, wanted her to act. Her stubbornness ruined they last close relationship she had in her life, and in turn, would have ruined her
What would have happened if Antigone had come into power in Sophocles’ famous play, Antigone? Would she have been able to restore Thebes to its former glory? The answer in no. Antigone’s inherent nature would have prevented her from ever being a successful ruler of Thebes. However, this is not necessarily her fault, it is simply the way she is. However, this would have led to Antigone’s leadership being tainted with rash decisions and impulsive actions. Those qualities were just a part of her personality, and if she had been more mature, she might have been able to outgrow them. Unfortunately, the city of Thebes will never know the answer because Antigone was so irrational, it resulted in her death. A girl like that could never be an accomplished ruler. At the time Antigone takes place, Antigone is only a teenager. Historically, it was common for children of her age to be ruling entire countries, but there is a reason that practice ended. According to the NIH, human brains do not “fully mature until around age 25” (Teen). This is especially significant when it comes to the prefrontal cortex, the part the brain responsible for decision making. Scientifically, Antigone …show more content…
Ismene herself says that Antigone is “too headstrong” (Sophocles, 163). Furthermore, at the end of the play, the chorus states that one of the most important traits a ruler can have is being wise. That is exactly what Antigone is not. Her stubbornness prohibited her from being anything that resembled wise. This consequently led to her burying Polyneices, despite the fact that it was illegal, and Ismene begged her not to. She was so adamant in her decision that she would not even consider how her sister, who was also her only living relative, wanted her to act. Her stubbornness ruined they last close relationship she had in her life, and in turn, would have ruined her