Antigone Essay Case

Ally

Mr. Chavez

Period 7

21 October 2014

Antigone

        This play by Sophocles was written thousands of years ago.   As such, before reading the story that is narrated in the play, one could presume that it is outdated.   As one reads on though, it is clear that the play has several themes and plots that are very much present today.  Such themes include authority, pride, and consequences.

        These themes are still relevant today because we, as human beings, still experience similar situations.  In this play, the authority is in the person of Creon, the king of Thebes.  At the beginning of the play Creon makes the decision not to bury Polyneices and to leave him for the birds because he didn’t defend his city. Creon forbids the people of Thebes to mourn and cry for Polyneices and prohibits a proper burial for him. This demonstrates authority because he dictates what needs to be done and expects the people to obey him.  This situation connects with contemporary life because we have authority now too such as parents, the police, and the government.  In some ways, they dictate our actions and expect us to obey them.  As to why Creon did this, pride is one explanation.  Because Creon had so much pride, he couldn’t admit even to himself that he could have been wrong.  In a conversation with his son Haimon, Creon said, “Am I to stand here and be lectured to by a kid? A man of my experience!” This just showed how his pride stood in the way of even listening to his own son. His pride was one reason why he ended up losing everything that he loved and will now suffer the consequences.

The main character in the play, Antigone went against the authority that in turn led to a grave consequence, her death.  Antigone’s personality is one of a strong independent woman who is willing to do anything to give her brother the peace that she knows he deserves. She is a woman who is willing to do what is right and not care about the consequences that she will receive. Antigone’s message to the modern audience to fight for what we believe in, to fight for what we want and what we deserve no matter what the consequences might be.  In this play when she says “I will bury the brother I love” which shows that she is willing to suffer the consequences to give Polyneices peace even if it is against the authority and will of Creon.