Courage, Strength, And Will In Antigone By Sophocles
Imagine that you have watched each of your family members fall, one by one. You’ve borne witness to many unjust actions, and have seen dishonorable deeds occur. You watch as the king lay one of your kin to rest properly, while another is simply left for the dogs. After losing your mother, father, and now two brothers, this is the final straw. Something must be done to right these wrongs. On one hand, civil law dictates that you must not provide your brother with a proper burial; on the other hand, you know that the gods praise values such as honor and respect for those who have past. Do you follow laws of the state, or do what you know is right- no matter the cost? The protagonist, Antigone, finds herself in this very scenario during the events in the tragedy by Sophocles.
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In the first scene of Antigone, Antigone immediately displays characteristics of courage, strength, and will.
Upon hearing of Creon’s disgraceful actions, Antigone decides to do right by her brother without hesitation. She says to Ismene that she, “…will do (her) duty to (her) brother…(she) won’t be caught betraying him.” (Antigone, Part 1) Antigone makes it clear that she will not abide by the established laws, and will do the right thing with or without Ismene. Although Ismene warns of the consequences, Antigone rebuttals saying, “I’ll still bury him. It would be fine to die while doing that.” (Antigone, Part 1) This specific line of dialogue further supports the bravery which Antigone demonstrates. She would willingly accept death with open arms, as long as she knows that she died for the honorable cause. This is polar opposite to Ismene, who will not act against the state in the
slightest.
The conversation between Antigone and Ismene greatly demonstrates Antigone’s strong will and almost hard headed tendencies. Ismene even directly tells Antigone that she is acting “too rash.” (Antigone, Part 1) Although Ismene tries to reason with Antigone, she shows that her mind is set. Antigone is not willing to blatantly contradict values which the gods hold important. She even declares that she will hate Ismene if she continues to speak in such ways that attempt to discourage her. Once Ismene ends her argument by partially reassuring her of their love, Antigone makes way to achieve her duty. She buries her fallen brother with pride, and does not falter when she is taken into custody.
Antigone is caught burying Polyneices’ body, yet does not resist nor fight when the guards take her. Even when directly confronted by Creon, she remains honest and truthful to herself. When asked about her actions she answers, “I admit I did it. I won’t deny that…I did not think anything which you proclaimed strong enough to let a mortal override the gods and their unwritten and unchanging laws.” (Antigone, Part 2) Antigone takes pride and honor in her burial of Polyneices. With this comfort maintaining her strength, she even questions why Creon would not just kill her and be over with it. This shows her faith and trust within the gods. She knows that she has done right by them, no matter what her state says, and takes assurance in demonstrating their laws. She even argues with Creon that “…Hades still desires equal rites for both.” (Antigone, Part 2) Though her death sentence is unfortunate and unjust, Antigone remains in control of her fate. With a final act of strength, not cowardice, she takes her own life by the end of a rope. (Antigone, Part 5) If she was going to die, it would be by her hands, not Creon’s. This is the final step in her noble journey.
Antigone’s character is developed through her loyalty to the gods, disobedience towards the state, and even her final moments of life. The tragedy applies depth, transforming her from stubborn and irrational to a brave human with complex motivations. Her ultimate importance is honoring both her family and the gods. By choosing the less travelled path of resistance, she shows a great deal of bravery and value towards laws which she knows true. By standing for the right side, even at the face of conflict, she demonstrates selfless nobility.
In the first scene of Antigone, Antigone immediately displays characteristics of courage, strength, and will.
Upon hearing of Creon’s disgraceful actions, Antigone decides to do right by her brother without hesitation. She says to Ismene that she, “…will do (her) duty to (her) brother…(she) won’t be caught betraying him.” (Antigone, Part 1) Antigone makes it clear that she will not abide by the established laws, and will do the right thing with or without Ismene. Although Ismene warns of the consequences, Antigone rebuttals saying, “I’ll still bury him. It would be fine to die while doing that.” (Antigone, Part 1) This specific line of dialogue further supports the bravery which Antigone demonstrates. She would willingly accept death with open arms, as long as she knows that she died for the honorable cause. This is polar opposite to Ismene, who will not act against the state in the
slightest.
The conversation between Antigone and Ismene greatly demonstrates Antigone’s strong will and almost hard headed tendencies. Ismene even directly tells Antigone that she is acting “too rash.” (Antigone, Part 1) Although Ismene tries to reason with Antigone, she shows that her mind is set. Antigone is not willing to blatantly contradict values which the gods hold important. She even declares that she will hate Ismene if she continues to speak in such ways that attempt to discourage her. Once Ismene ends her argument by partially reassuring her of their love, Antigone makes way to achieve her duty. She buries her fallen brother with pride, and does not falter when she is taken into custody.
Antigone is caught burying Polyneices’ body, yet does not resist nor fight when the guards take her. Even when directly confronted by Creon, she remains honest and truthful to herself. When asked about her actions she answers, “I admit I did it. I won’t deny that…I did not think anything which you proclaimed strong enough to let a mortal override the gods and their unwritten and unchanging laws.” (Antigone, Part 2) Antigone takes pride and honor in her burial of Polyneices. With this comfort maintaining her strength, she even questions why Creon would not just kill her and be over with it. This shows her faith and trust within the gods. She knows that she has done right by them, no matter what her state says, and takes assurance in demonstrating their laws. She even argues with Creon that “…Hades still desires equal rites for both.” (Antigone, Part 2) Though her death sentence is unfortunate and unjust, Antigone remains in control of her fate. With a final act of strength, not cowardice, she takes her own life by the end of a rope. (Antigone, Part 5) If she was going to die, it would be by her hands, not Creon’s. This is the final step in her noble journey.
Antigone’s character is developed through her loyalty to the gods, disobedience towards the state, and even her final moments of life. The tragedy applies depth, transforming her from stubborn and irrational to a brave human with complex motivations. Her ultimate importance is honoring both her family and the gods. By choosing the less travelled path of resistance, she shows a great deal of bravery and value towards laws which she knows true. By standing for the right side, even at the face of conflict, she demonstrates selfless nobility.