Antigone: a Summary

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Many women have made their way into history because of their willingness to stand up for what they believe in. “Antigone”, a tragedy that was written in 442 B.B. tells a story of an admirable woman that sacrifices her life standing up for what she believes in. Antigone’s action of burying her brother results in death, but has given her a place in history because she stands by her beliefs. Antigone is a young woman whose brothers kill each other in a fierce battle. One brother, Polynices, had been fighting against the other brother, Eteocles. Creon, the king of Thebes, has decides that only Eteocles can be buried because he was not a traitor unlike his brother. Consequently, Creon makes a decree that Polynices be left unburied because he dared to oppose the ruling of the king. Antigone, the sister of both Polynices and Eteocles believes that both brothers have the right to be buried, because she loves them both. Going against the rule of the king, Antigone buries Polynices. By doing this, she stands by her original beliefs and is willing to accept all consequences that accompany burying her brother. Within the first lines of the tragedy, Antigone confronts her sister with her idea of burying Polynices. Her sister, Ismene, opposes Antigones decision to go against the kings orders and bury their brother. Antigone, despite Ismene’s contradictions continues with the plan to bury her brother. Although Ismene is Antigone’s sister, she firmly believes that Polynices should receive a proper burial. That evening, Antigone lightly covers the body of her beloved brother in a field, disregarding Ismene’s concern. This act reflects her willingness to stand up for what antigone believes is correct. After burying her brother, a messenger comes to Creon and informs the king that Polynices is buried in the field that he was murdered in. Immediately, the king sentences
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