Antigone Analysis

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The Thebian play Antigone, written by Sophocles in 441 B.C., is a story of betrayal. Betrayal is to be gravely disloyal to. The main focuses in the play are the repercussions of betrayal caused by the simple act by Antigone disobeying King Creon. The first betrayal in Antigone begins when Polynieces revolted against his town, Thebes, and was killed in battle with his own brother. ”Who fought as bravely and died as miserably...” (Line18 Pg 773). Creon orders for the burial of the other brother, Etecoles, but not Polynieces. “Creon buried our brother Eteocles with military honors..” (Line 15, pg. 773). Creon makes it very clear that he wants Polynieces body to be left alone to rot. “They say that Creon has sworn that no one shall bury him…” (Line 20. Pg. 773). The betrayal of Polynieces causes his sister, Antigone, to start another long line of betrayal throughout the rest of the play. Antigone begins planning her betrayal against Creon and her justice against her brother when she goes to her sister, Ismene, for help. “You must decide whether you will help me or not.” (Line 30, Pg 774). Ismene is a coward and claims she cannot help Antigone, “But I have no strength to break laws that were made for the public good.” (Line 66, Pg 774). The fact that Antigone is now alone is this process does not slow her down at all; not even after Ismene warns her that the consequence of her actions could be death. “Our own death would be if we should go against Creon.” (Line 46, Pg 774). Due to Ismene’s lack of help, Antigone is feeling betrayed by her sister, but will continue on without her. “But as for me, I will bury the brother I love.” (Line 69, Pg 774). Later on when Antigone has buried her brother, Polynieces, she created yet another betrayal; this time on King Creon. It does not end well for Antigone when he find outs. King Creon takes her into custody after she

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