What are the themes of Antigone?

What are the themes of Antigone?

Antigone Themes

• Fate and Free Will. A central theme of Antigone is the tension between individual action and fate.
• Rules and Order. Antigone contrasts two types of law and justice: divine or religious law on one hand, and the law of men and states on the other.
• Determination.
• Power.
• Women and Femininity.
• Mortality.

What is a modern day connection to Antigone?

The ideas Sophocles presents in Antigone have relevance in today’s world, and indicate that modern society is not as advanced as we believe. The problems of gender equality, democratic voice, and religious faith still resonate today. Antigone attempts to show the strength women have in the face of male authority.

Is Antigone pious?

Antigone is the protagonist of Sophocles’s play Antigone. She is Oedipus’s daughter and Creon’s niece. She is pious, brave, and loyal to her family. Upon returning to Thebes and learning that Creon has forbidden anyone from giving her brother, Polynices, a proper burial, Antigone decides to bury him herself.

What did Antigone stand up for?

Antigone’s act was honorable. She stood up to the highest of powers so she could honor her brother, knowing the consequence would be death. Most likely she figured there is only a certain amount man can do to you, so she might as well stand up for not only her family and beliefs, but her gods as well (lines 377-389).

What is the main lesson of Antigone?

In Antigone, the moral of the story is that of fate. This moral is incorporated through the actions of both Creon and Antigone. The moral also corresponds with a recurring theme of the abuse of power, something that Creon is more than guilty of.

What is the lesson taught in Antigone?

Antigone learns to have faith and follows her own beliefs. She is a confident woman with strong morals. She learns not to follow in other’s footsteps, ignores the society’s rules, and becomes more of a leader. Antigone did not have an easy life but it was very similar to life today on Earth.

How is gender represented in Antigone?

In the play Antigone, both Creon and Ismene assert and reinforce gender roles. Creon wants men to be leaders and women to be subjects. He even describes women as fields to be furrowed. She not only defies Creon with her actions but also goes on to tell him that she thinks he is wrong and she is right.

Who is the most honorable character in Antigone?

As Antigone is led forth to the tomb, the Chorus tells her that she can be praised for her reverence toward the gods, but that Creon can’t be blamed for not allowing his laws to be violated. So the Chorus seems to be attributing more honor to Antigone than at first, but still gives more honor to Creon.

What literary devices are used in Antigone?

While Sophocles uses various literary devices in Antigone, five devices are especially helpful in analyzing his play:

• Plot.
• Foreshadowing.
• Allusion.
• Symbolism.
• Theme.

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