Gender Differences Between Antigone And Creon

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Antigone has themes of power and gender, which go hand and hand with each other. Creon, Antigone, and Ismene show their point of view concerning the role of gender play in the conflict and concerning the role of women in the society.
In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone and Creon have a conflict concerning their power from their gender role. Oedipus made Creon care for Antigone and Ismene as a guardian. Creon and Antigone’s aspect on the law and their power are different since Creon was the male guardian towards Antigone. Creon felt he is a leading man and became the king of Thebes during the great battle against Polyneices and their allies. Creon feels that all should obey the laws declared by him, even through other beliefs or ethics. While Antigone is a women in Greece, which means she had no power and relies on God and her family. She feels that the laws of the Gods should be obeyed. In this conflict, Creon orders that Polyneices will not be buried because of his betrayal …show more content…

Antigone was more liberated and outspoken while Ismene was dependent on the typical greek women during those times. In this play, Antigone believes in the law of the Gods and not Creon. Thus, when Antigone heard about Polyneices not receiving a burial, Antigone was infuriated and wanted to do something about it. She told Ismene and did not have the same reaction as Antigone. Antigone is strong enough to rebel against the law and help her brother’s spirit compared to Ismene who only cares about the consequences. Ismene also goes along with the typical greek women lifestyle and said, “We must remember, first, that we two are by nature women and not fit to fight with men” (Sophocles, 61). Ismene demonstrates her position towards the men vs women society and how women should just follow the laws and let the men control the power. Unlike Ismene, Antigone stands up against state power to do what she

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