Literary Analysis on Antigone
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Antigone clearly scrutinizes the cultural institution of gender, for the play's debate about the nature of justice and good governance hinges on Antigone's defiance of the king, making the play one of only a few ancient Greek dramas that put a woman center stage (apologies for the bad pun!). Moreover, there are important moments in the play that underscore its focus on gender inequality. For instance, at one point Creon accuses his son, Haemon, of considering "some women" more important than the rule of law. Creon goes on to complain that Haemon puts Antigone before all others. In another passage, Ismene, invoking the argument that women should obey men, urges Antigone to submit to Creon. Examine representations of gender and the gender conflict in Antigone in detail.
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Solution Summary
Analysis of Antigone as it deals with the feminine rebellion and family loyalty.
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The play Antigone, written by Sophocles, is one of tragedy. It centers on the heroine Antigone and what happens when she tries to bury her brother, Polyneices, even though the King Creon, has clearly decreed that because of this treason no one should attempt to bury his body. Further, anyone who defies his orders will be put to death. An element of the play is family loyalty, but there is clearly another element, that of the feminine revolution. Imprisoned in a patriarchal society, Antigone does not acquiesce as her sister Ismene does, but it becomes a play of man versus woman and the struggle for power.
There is certainly a component of virtue ethics and moral duty interwoven in the play. Virtue ethics emphasizes "the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one's duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. A virtue ethicist is likely to give you this kind of moral advice: Act as a virtuous person would act in your situation. These ethics deal with questions such as; how should I live; what is the good life, and what are proper family and social values?" (Athanassoulis, 2010) Sophocles portrays Antigone as a child of a cursed family, even her name "born ...
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