The Portrayal of Women in Antigone by Sophocles

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In Sophocles, Antigone portrays herself as strong and capable of making decisions for herself. Although her decisons are not always wise she does what she believes is the right thing to do, defining the law. Sophocles uses Isemene and Antigone to show the two different characteristics woman typically interpret. Woman in ancient Greece seemed to always follow the rules of men which is how Ismene is portrayed. Ismene is the weak and subordinate one. On the other hand as I mentioned Antigone is more strong and was not afraid to face consequences for disobeying mens laws.
Creon, the king, made it a law that Polyneices would not receive a proper burial for “attacking” the kingdom. Instead he would be left to rot and be eaten by animals. Antigone’s love for her brother made her go against the law knowing she could be stoned to death. Antigone says “But he has no right to keep me from what’s mine” with this she meant that Creon has no right to keep her brother from being left without a proper burial, she is determined to do what is right for her brother. Creon refused to back down from wh...

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