The Feminist In Sophocles Antigone

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Recommended: Outline feminism theory

There are various components that a text has to be considered “feminist”. When there is a concern for power relations within the group of characters. Including a strong central female character that stands out among stereotypical female roles. Another is when gender roles are seemingly reversed and blurred. The women may seem more masculine and the men more feminine. Antigone, written by Sophocles is a feminist text.
What is feminism? It is seen in an abundance of ways and different perceptions. There are preconceptions to what a feminist is or what feminism is. In simple words feminist is a person who fights for what they believe is right in their opinion, regarding social, political, legal, and economic matters.
The feminist character in Antigone is Antigone herself. Her name being the title of the play already suggests she is a central and important role in the story. When Creon decided that her brother Polyneices would be left unburied while her other brother Eteocles would be honored. This appalls …show more content…

The males are usually head strong, confident, and sure of themselves. Yet, it’s Antigone that expresses these traits. Creon is always relying on the help and advice of others and is always unsure of what to do. He is lost without guidance and if he receives none or accepts none, he tends to make bad decisions. Haemon is fearful of his father and when Antigone is threatened by his father to be condemned he does nothing. It takes for Antigone to be near death and imprisonment before he voices his opinion to his father. Antigone on the other hand she never holds back. She says what is on her mind and is an independent thinker. Antigone is shown as a strong and central role compared to other female roles. Her sister Ismene is timid and fearful of the law and of social appearance. Antigone disregards all this and doesn’t care for what people think of her. The king’s wife tries to quell his anger, but never says anything

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