Before his death, Oedipus had blinded himself, adding to the tragedy. However, Antigone's own tragedy was still unfolding. Through her proud and unrelenting character, Antigone is determined to give her brother a rightful burial, despite Creon's edict. At first Antigone seeks the help of her sister, Ismene, but when she realizes the fear and submissive attitude Ismene possesses, Antigone disregards it as even an option, another example of perhaps Antigone's tragic flaw, her own arrogance. As the tale continues, Antigone does indeed bury her brother, but is caught by Creon.
Sophocles’(496-406) second most famous play Antigone contains many contrasts. According to G. M. Kirkwood, “A contrast between Antigone and Creon lies at the heart of the drama can be taken for granted” (118). In the story, Antigone wants to bury her brother, who fought bravely and died on the battlefield, but to do so would be to break the law since her brother fought on the side of Argos, the enemy of Thebes. Creon, her uncle, who has become king, represents the law. Although she cares for and respects her brother, her conscience will not let her disrespect her brother.
Hero’s own father says “Death is the fairest cover for her shame” (IV i 122). He would rather see her dead than to have a daughter without honor. But Beatrice does not wish or hope for death on her cousin. She wants revenge on the man who took away Hero’s honor. Beatrice asks Benedick to kill Claudio for her.
Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed, states how the people of Thebes feel. “On every side I hear voices of pity for this poor girl doomed to the cruelest death…for an honorable action-burying a brother who was killed in battle…has she not rather earned a crown of gold” (Sophocles 145). This quote proves that the town supports Antigone, and is inspired by her bravery. One may conclude that although many claim to support the crown, they secretly side with a brave and honorable girl. Finally, Antigone chooses to sacrifice herself to give her brother respect.
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.
1) “Ask no questions, and you’ll be told no lies.” The author uses mystery. The importance of this quote is how mrs.Joe describes how she feels towards Pip. Mrs.Joe considers Pip to be a nuisance, a burden. She also considers her parents death to be the biggest event that changed her life. She feels that Pip was the destroyer of her dreams, so she seeks revenge to destroy his.Pg12 2) “So, I must be taken as I have been made.
But Ismene refuses to help her sister, fearing the death penalty installed by Creon. Therefor Antigone decided that she must go and bury her brother herself. As the play continues, a sentry tells Creon that Polynecies body has been buried. Furious, Creon demands that the culprit be found, the sentry then returns with Antigone. Creon questions her, and Antigone does not deny that she buried Polynecies.
Antigone’s sense of judgment grew more and more unclear due to her pride as she ignores Ismene’s advice to bury their brother in secret, but instead she tells Ismene, “oh, oh, no! shout it out. I will hate you still worse for silence-should you not proclaim it, to everyone” (2040). Her pride is also the source of her bravery that enables her to accept her fate and believes that it will be good to die and lay by her brother’s side to stand up for her beliefs. Antigone’s inhibitions grew even stronger when she is summoned to face her uncle, Creon, about her disobedient actions.
The drama reflects some similarities and differences between Creon and Antigone. The similarity between Antigone and Creon, her uncle and her king, is that both characters have strong wills. As an example, Antigone is so passionate in her act of burying his brother, Polynices’, she is determined to respect the god-given laws regarding the dead in Thebes. Creon is determined to enact and enforce his own man-made law. Antigone and Creon know the consequences of their actions if they fail.
Armed conflict was a certain tactic to gain and maintain the glory of honour. Refusing a fight was a sign of weakness and cowardice. In contrast, Illiad’s Paris’ distaste for fighting to the death, drew scorn and disdain from both his family and Helen. Helen herself says “You’ve come back from the fight. How I wish you’d died there, killed by that strong warrior who was my husband once.”(3.