Antigone (Sophocles play)

Antigone is a famous Athenian tragedy written by the playwright Sophocles. It was first performed at the Festival of Dionysus around 442 or 440 BC. This play is a central part of a collection known as the Theban plays. This triad includes the famous works Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. Interestingly, Sophocles wrote Antigone first. However, the events in this play actually occur last in the chronological timeline of the stories. The play expands upon a Theban legend that existed long before the play was written. It picks up the narrative where the play Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus ends.

The story begins in the aftermath of a violent civil war in Thebes. Two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, fought one another for the royal throne. This battle resulted in both brothers dying during the conflict. Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, becomes the central authority figure. He is the brother-in-law of the former king. Creon issues a strict edict regarding the two fallen brothers. He orders that Eteocles be honored with a public funeral. Conversely, he decrees that Polynices must be publicly shamed. Polynices is to be left unburied on the battlefield. This meant his body would be prey for carrion animals. To the ancient Greeks, this was the harshest possible punishment. Leaving a body unburied was seen as a deep insult to human dignity.

The plot follows the actions of Antigone, the sister of the dead brothers. Antigone is a brave protagonist who values familial duty above all else. She believes that the laws of the gods are more important than human laws. She attempts to recruit her sister, Ismene, to help her bury Polynices. Ismene acts as a foil to Antigone because she is more obedient to authority. Ismene fears the consequences of defying Creon and refuses to help. Antigone eventually goes alone to perform the symbolic burial rites. A sentry discovers the body has been covered with earth. He catches Antigone in the act and brings her before Creon. Antigone does not deny her actions. Instead, she argues unflinchingly that Creon's edict is immoral.

Conflict grows as different characters attempt to influence Creon's decisions. Creon's son, Haemon, is engaged to Antigone. He enters the scene to pledge allegiance to his father. However, he also tries to persuade Creon to show mercy. Haemon notes that the city is mourning for Antigone in secret. The discussion between father and son turns into a bitter argument. Creon becomes furious and threatens to execute Antigone in front of his son. Haemon leaves the palace, vowing never to see his father again. The Chorus, a group of elderly Theban men, observes these events. They provide commentary and connect the drama to larger myths. As the play progresses, the Chorus begins to counsel Creon toward moderation.

The tension reaches a peak when the blind prophet Tiresias arrives. Tiresias is a figure of great wisdom and reason. He warns Creon that the gods are deeply displeased with his choices. The prophet explains that the gods will not accept sacrifices from Thebes. He specifically warns that Creon will lose a son because of his actions. Tiresias predicts that all of Greece will despise Creon for his choices. Creon initially accuses the prophet of being corrupt. However, the leader of the Chorus becomes terrified and urges Creon to listen. Creon finally assents to the prophet's advice. He decides to release Antigone and bury Polynices immediately.

Tragedy strikes because Creon's change of heart comes too late. A messenger arrives to report the death of Haemon. Haemon had found Antigone in her tomb, where she had hanged herself. In his grief, Haemon attempted to stab Creon before killing himself. This news causes immense suffering for the royal family. Creon's wife, Eurydice, learns of her son's death. She dies by suicide shortly after, cursing Creon for the loss of her children. Creon is left a broken man. He realizes that his pursuit of absolute order has destroyed his family. He has protected his status as king, but he has lost everything else. The Chorus concludes the play by noting that punishment can bring wisdom.

Scholars study Antigone to understand the political atmosphere of ancient Athens. Sophocles wrote this during a time of national fervor. Interestingly, the play contains very little direct political propaganda about Athens. Instead, it focuses on universal themes of duty and morality. The character of Creon serves as a warning about the dangers of tyranny. An absolute ruler may ignore the will of the people. Athenians, who valued their democratic traditions, would have recognized the folly of Creon's actions. The play explores the tension between state law and religious or personal duty. It remains a powerful study of how pride can lead to a ruler's downfall.