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Sophocles oedipus role of women
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Antigone: The Theme of Women and Femininity
The play Antigone by Sophocles talks about how a brave woman, princess, Antigone, disobeyed all the rules of the King and rebelled against a distinctively, male dominated Greek society. The major theme in Antigone is “women and femininity” simply because Creon expects men to be the primary actors in society and women to take a secondary and subservient role which Antigone opposed and challenges these notions as she takes center stage and presents formidable challenges to the men around her. The role of women had changed drastically over time. Antigone is a prime example because she does not follow the footsteps of the women before her. She pulls herself up from the role of the normal women of her time. Antigone also defines herself not by her gender but by her actions and words. Antigone does this by not just
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Ismene is supposed to imitate the ideal Greek wife, but is easily contrasted by the actions of her sister, Antigone. In a heated debate, both sisters defend what they believe is the right thing to do. Ismene argues that the two sisters should stay out of trouble citing the horror their family has been through, "Abhorred, dishonored, self-convinced of sin. Self-slaughtered, both the slayer and the slain." In the eyes of Ismene it would be better to forgive and forget, and remember that they are women, "we must be sensible. Remember we are women, we are not born to contend with men.” After telling Antigone that women must not meddle with the affairs of the king decree, Antigone feels insulted and comments ruthlessly that Ismene is making a big mistake. "You have your excuses. I am on my way, raise a mound for him, for my dear brother." Antigone's quick departure from Ismene's opinions shows that she is able to think for herself as an individual and not be swayed by absurd reasons to not carry out her
When Antigone comes to her sister for assistance in burying their brother’s body, Ismene refuses. While this may be seen as an example of her cowardly, docile nature, such as how the line “You ought to realize we are only women” (61) is often interpreted, it shows that Ismene was aware of where she stood in Theban society. It is common knowledge that Ancient Greece was a patriarchy, with women holding little to no political power. Even beyond the fact that she and Antigone are women living in a male-dominated society, Ismene recognizes how low their family has fallen, with herself and Antigone being the children of a kin-slayer and his wife. A reasonable person in Ismene’s situation would most likely have acted in a similar manner, as it would be far too great of a risk to defy Creon. Ismene was simply aware that no one would come to the aid of Oedipus’s daughters when they faced “the edict of death”
One of the conflicts in Antigone, is the struggle between men and women. Ismene tells Antigone that since birth, women “were not born to contend with men,” (75) displaying women’s obedience and passivity. In the same passage, Ismene says: “we’re underlings, ruled by stronger hands,” (76) a representation of men’s aggressive and “stronger hands” that dominate women and treats them as second-class citizens. The only woman in Thebes who desires to break free from these chains is Antigone, who stands up against Ismene’s passivity urging her to “submit to this,” (77) and defy Creon by burying Polynices. By breaking Creon’s edict, Antigone challenges the traditional gender roles women and men play. In what ways does the theme of gender in Antigone, demonstrate the passion and choices behind Antigone and Ismene’s decisions?
In the Greek tragedy”Antigone", by Sophocles, Antigone learns that King Creon has refused to give a proper burial for the slain Polyneices, brother of Ismene and Antigone. Infuriated by this, Antigone shares the tragic news with Ismene. From her first response, "No I, haven’t heard a word"(13). Ismene reveals her passivity and helplessness in the light of Creon's decree. Thus, from the start, Ismene is characterized as traditionally "feminine", a helpless woman that pays no mind to political affairs. Doubting the wisdom of her sisters plan to break the law and bury Polyneices, Ismene argues: “Remember we are women, not born to contend with men .” (75) Once again Ismene's words clearly state her weak, feminine character and helplessness within her own dimensions. Antigone, not happy with her sisters response chides her sister for not participating in her crime and for her passivity, saying, “Don’t fear for me. Set your own life in order"(97). For Antigone, no law could stand in the way of her strong consideration of her brother's spirit, not even the punishment of an early death. Ismene is more practical, knowing the task is impossible, she feels the situation to be hopeless.
Even Ismene, her sister strongly suggests her that she needs to calm down, and deeply considers the pros and cons, she still believes that the Creon-dominated justice system is horribly wrong. By expressing that ‘it seems fair to me to die doing it’ (P16), her motivation of treating the significance of the family as the priority is self-encouraged. Therefore, since the beginning, Antigone is always a stubborn woman. Beyond recklessness, she is actually brave enough to carrying out after knowing what is essential to her. This is a bravery that allows women to think independently, express their thoughts without covering up, and make their own choices, which is considered to happen rarely.
Although Ancient Greece was a male dominant society, Antigone, written by Sophocles, portrays women as being strong and capable of making wise decisions. In this tragedy, Sophocles used the characters Ismene and Antigone to display the different characteristics and roles that women are typical of interpreting. In the Ancient Greek culture, women were traditionally characterized as weak and subordinate, which is reflected in the character, Ismene. However, through the character of Antigone, Sophocles goes beyond the typical stereotypes and presents realistic viewpoints about women.
Antigone’s own excessive pride drives her to her defeat. Her arrogance and strive for self-importance blinds her to the consequences of her actions. Ismene, Antigone’s sister, rejects to take part in the crime leaving Antigone all on her own. Ismeme declares “why rush to extremes? Its madness, madness” (Sophocles 80). Ismene fails to comprehend the logic behind her siste...
In the play Antigone, by Sophocles, it is greatly apparent just within the first few exchanges between Ismene and Antigone that there are various social issues surrounding the women in ancient Greece. The play raises many gender and socially related issues especially when looking at the contextual background of the playwright and the representation of the women within the play. When the characters of the first scene begin their analog, it is important to note what they are actually saying about each other and what their knowledge of their own social status is. The audience is first introduced to Antigone who we later learn is the antagonist of the play as she rebels against the protagonist, Creon. Her sister, Ismene, is the second character the audience is introduced to, hears of Antigone's plan to bury their brother's body in the first scene. Ismene’s actions and words give the reader the hint that her sister’s behavior is not usual, "so fiery" and "so desperate" are the words used to describe Antigone's frame of mind. At this very early point in the play the reader discovers that Antigone is determined to carry out her mission to bury her beloved brother. However, she is in no position that gives her the rights as a woman, sister, or even future queen to make her own decisions and rebel. Instead, her decision to bury her brother demonstrates her loyalty to her family, the gods, and to all women. Her motivation for those decisions will end up driving her far more than that of what the laws set by Creon have implemented. She shows no fear over disobeying the king and later says about the punishment of death "I will lie with the one I love and loved by him"(Sophocles, 2). Throughout the play the reader can see the viewpoint of an obedient woman, a rebellious woman, and the social norms required for both of them.
Even she believes women are less capable of men. This order is going against her own brother yet she still won’t defy the law set. This is like typical women of this time, they are told what to do their entire life and even who to marry and feel as if this is just how life is and Ismene is one of them. Antigone, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of her sister Ismene.
In the play Antigone by Sophocles, the audience can clearly see that the role of women in Thebes is a very important theme. Women in ancient times were viewed as inferior to men in all respects.. In the case of Greek women, their freedom was tied to the leniency of the male figure in their life who held control over them; the rules and restrictions placed on them were unfair even for the ancient world. Antigone takes an important and strong stand for a good cause challenging the social values and rules in Thebes…….. That is important because the play revolves around the power and struggle between a main male and female character, Antigone and Creon.
Antigone has the theme of gender roles within the novel where the women have been overpowered and forced to be submissive by men. Antigone presents men as the stereotypical strong leaders and fighters, but women are portrayed as dependent. Throughout the novel, the male characters hold positions deemed important in the ancient Greece society. For example, the King of Thebes and the prophet are both males.
Therefore, in his mind women are powerless against men. Antigone, however, does not fit into Creon’s description of women. Instead, she is bold and resilient, unfazed by the dark glare of authority. A strong and
Sophocles first presents Antigone as a fighter when she brags about her crime to Creon, refusing to be subordinate to him simply because she is a woman. Antigone defends her crime, explaining “[Antigone] dared. It was not God’s proclamation. That final justice that rules the world below makes no such laws” (1.2.57-58). Antigone is steadfast in her beliefs in the face of powerful men who expect her to yield and repent; she demolishes gender stereotypes that represent women as fragile and lesser than men.
Whereas women were supposed to take a backseat and just watch the happenings from a distance. Antigone went beyond this to champion for the role of the women in Thebes by not being in agreement with Creon. He expected her to take a laid-back and submissive role. It is clear that she was not ready to follow this common notion when she goes ahead and challenges this concept by taking center stage and presenting daunting challenges to the men who are around
The sexist stereotypes presented in this tragedy address many perspectives of men at this time. Creon the arrogant and tyrant leader is, the very character that exemplifies this viewpoint. Antigone's spirit is filled with bravery, passion and fury; which allow her to symbolize the very essence of women. She is strong enough to do what her conscious tells her despite the laws of the land. Many examples in the play prove that Antigone's character is very capable of making her own decisions in the name of justice. First, Antigone opposes Creon's law and buries her slain brother; because in her mind it was immoral not to. She does this because she is compassionate and loves her brother very much. Creon, however, believes that his laws must be upheld and would do anything to prevent any type rebelling. He is even more infuriated when he learns that a woman has broken his laws. He tries to show Antigone who's in charge by sentencing her to a life of imprisonment. Secondly, Antigone shows how determined she is by accepting her consequences with pride. She does not try to hide that she is responsible for breaking Creon's laws, moreover, she takes all the credit. All the while she maintains her strength because she truly believes in her actions. These sorts of actions ultimately prove that Antigone is courageous and willing to stand up to men, which was completely against the norm at this time. Her spirit refuses to submit to the role of a helpless woman like her sister Ismene's character does.
Antigone feels as if Ismene is betraying her and their family since she will not consent to help her bury their brother. Towards the end of the play, Ismene changes her mind and tries to claim that she helped Antigone bury Polyneices so that she can die with her sister. Antigone became furious, “Don’t try to share my death or make a claim to actions which you did not do. I’ll die, and that will be enough” (Sophocles 625). Antigone is upset that Ismene wouldn’t help her in the first place, but she wants to take the blame now. She feels as if Ismene has been disloyal to her and their family; therefore, she does not forgive Ismene for what she has done. This is considered a symbol from when Ismene denied Antigone. Now Antigone is denying Ismene. On the other hand, Creon adores Ismene for staying true to him and his rules. Creon realizes that she was very obedient and appreciates that. At the end of the play, he decides to spare Ismene instead of killing her with