Greek mythology is written with the intent to allow the audience to ponder a variety of ideas, and overall gather an assortment of lessons. The play “Antigone”, by Greek philosopher Sophocles, hones in on daily dissensions such as: fate vs free will, written law vs moral law, where one's loyalty should lie, and rationality vs irrationality. Antigone, the most dynamic character in the piece, is easily described as head-strong, determined, and savage. She has absolutely no shame in letting the whole city of Thebes know that she has went against her uncle (the king) Creon’s ruling and buried her brother Polyneices. Antigone allows the audience to see that regardless of the written law, and her possible punishment, that she must stay true to her morals. Most importantly in this work of literature, she remains loyal to her family, no matter the cost, which ultimately leads to her demise.
The play Antigone opens with a discussion between our dynamic character Antigone and her timid and law abiding sister Ismene. From the beginning the spectators are able to see the great variation between these two siblings, and most importantly where their loyalty lies. Antigone says, “ At least he is my brother- and yours, too, though you deny him I will not prove false to him” (51-52). Antigone is saying in this statement that although Ismene does not see that her brothers final stages of life should not be placed above Creon’s ruling, that she will fulfil his wishes without her. As Martin Luther king once stated, “ Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look away”. This is in direct agrannce with what antigone is trying to portray to her sister. Antigone is not only passionate, but open about these thoughts as well.
The next question that is left for citizens to respond to is, does this decision make Antigone unethical, or even irrational? In the spectrum of written law vs moral law Antigone could be easily depicted as unethical and irrational. Antigone justifies her moral beliefs to go above the law when she states, “I shall be a criminal- but a religious one” (84-85). In this quote Antigone is extrapolating on the fact that in her mind her brother being laid to rest properly is above any sort of written government law. This factor in the play shows her activist side. Like (public figure) Malala says, “There’s a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up”. In this time period in the play Antigone, like Malala, has to stand up to the law unlike her weak sister ismene. Antigone most importantly does not allow others to stand in her way. Unfortunately, due to her eager character this ultimately leads to Antigone’s mortality.
Antigone and Malala teach various populations that in order to stand up for what one believes is right they need to be loud and blunt to their audience. If she would have failed to complete her risky task she would be unable to get Ismene, and most importantly Creon, to see her intent.
In society today, people fear speaking their minds, and standing up against authority based upon trepidation of judgement or even persecution. Society has always made it onerous for others to speak out against controversial topics. This level of fear in the current world can also be displayed by Antigone’s spineless sister Ismene. Antigone’s willpower and determination is truly exquisite, and more of the current society could be empowered by this level of grit.
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