Glory In Sophocles Antigone

In Sophocles’ Antigone, the main plot consists of Oedipus’ daughters, and the pain and suffering that they endure, due in large part to Oedipus’ infamous legacy. During the play, both of Oedipus’ sons, Eteocles and Polynices, kill each other in battle, leading to a dangerous situation and a fatal choice, brought about in part by Antigone’s fiery personality and her determination. Although, at first glance, it would appear that Antigone’s decision to bury Polynices’ body is based off of her bravery and courage, it later becomes apparent that she is only doing so because she is seeking attention and glory.

Antigone’s willingness to risk her life to bury Polynices, further highlights her longing for glory. When she finds out about Creon’s decree,

that anyone who mourns Polynices will face execution, Antigone refuses to let her brother’s body rot. She is determined to bury him, and tells her sister Ismene of her plot, which Ismene refuses to participate in. This angers Antigone, who believes that burying Polynices will help her achieve the glory that she is yearning, and must be done to honor her family. She decides that “[she] will bury [Polynices herself]. And even if [she] dies in the act, the death will be glory” (63). When Antigone says this, she is showing that the dangers that she faces for what she is planning to do are inconsequential to her. As long as she manages to bury Polynices’ body, she believes that she will be able to die a glorious death, which seems to be the most important thing to her. Any fears or doubts that she may have pale in comparison to longing for attention and glory, to the point where she is willing to risk her life. Many, such as Ismene, would be too afraid to go against Creon’s decree, however Antigone’s fierce spirit and search for glory drive her to go against Creon’s will, eventually leading to her death. (add quotes)

Antigone’s refusal to allow Ismene to die alongside her shows that she is merely interested in the attention the she will receive, and is unwilling to share it with her sister.

Once the guards catch Antigone, they bring her before Creon. He sentences her to death, as his original decree had indicated. When he questions Ismene on her involvement, she tells Creon that she “did it … [and] shares the guilt, and the consequences too” (86), meaning that she would face execution as well. This infuriates Antigone, who asks Ismene “who did the work” (87)? She then goes on to say that she cannot share Antigone’s death, and tells Ismene to “[not] lay claim on something [she] has not touched” (87), and that “[her] death will be enough” (87). Antigone feeling so strongly against her sister dying alongside her, shows her true intentions. She is unwilling to let Ismene share any of the glory that Antigone feels she has just achieved. This shows that the glory and attention is more important to her than her brother getting a proper burial, or her sister’s desires. It is not clear if Ismene was trying to take partial credit for the burial, or if she just wanted to die with her sister, rather than stay lonely in a world with nobody left to support her. If it was the latter, then Antigone’s reaction is not only in poor taste, but also proves how obsessed she is with the theme of pride, as she believes that Ismene hasn’t done enough to earn

it.

Antigone’s irrational reaction to Ismene’s decision not to join her creates an air of uncertainty around her motives, however her exaggerated reaction when Ismene tries to take partial blame for the burial reveals her true motives, and .