Antigone by Sophocles

Marcoluis Garcia 1/11/13

Line
14

What the Book Says

Not I, I havent heard a word, Antigone... the two of us were robbed of our two brothers, both gone in a day I know nothing more, whether our lucks improved or ruins still to come. Creons laid him in the earth and he goes with glory down among the dead. But the body of Polynices, who died miserably forbids anyone to bury him, even mourn him. Ismene: What? Youd bury him- when a law forbids the city? Antigone: Yes!

What I say
To me, Ismenes statement of or ruins still to come seems to foreshadow something. I really do not think that their luck will change for the better. If anything, it will all go south once Antigone buries her brother. Something bad will happen to one or both of them. I find it unfair that Creon would not let the family of Polynices mourn for him. He was a loving brother and his family did care very much for him. It would only be right if they were to give him a proper burial. It is not only unjust but cruel. Ismene doesnt seem to care much for her fallen brother. It is understandable that she wants to be loyal to the kingdom and all but still. Antigone knows what the consequences are and she still goes through with it. She truly is brave. Again, Ismene shows us that she is loyal, even to the patriarchy that suppresses her. I feel that she should be more like Antigone and challenge the authority, even if it does mean suffering the consequences. It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees- Pancho Villa Antigone is right to get annoyed by Ismene. Ismene has been nothing but negative about the whole thing. I would have probably reacted the same as Antigone and just perform the act myself instead of receiving help from a person who is reluctant to do it. I said before that something bad would likely happen to Antigone. With the burring of Polynices one would have to suffer the death penalty. This is clearly Antigones fate. I cant believe someone would sell themselves out for a few coins of at, silver. It is disgraceful to them. On top of that being judged by a king for doing so. I would have felt ashamed. Why would they treat her like prey? She was just showing emotion for her brother and they just attacked. That seems again unjust. What I do admire is the fact that she didnt deny what she had done and didnt hesitate. She truly is brave

30

52

74

Remember we are women, were not born to contend with men. Then too, were underlings, ruled by much stronger hands, so we must submit in this, and things still worse. I wont insist, no, even if you should have a change of heart, Id never welcome you in the labor, not with me. So do what you like, whatever suits you best- Ill bury him myself. Creon: See that you never side with those who break my orders. Leader: Never. Only a fool could be in love with death. Creon: Death is the price- youre right. Yes you did- whats more, you squandered your life for silver!

82

245

365

482

Soon as we saw rushed her, closed on the kill like hunters, and she, she didnt flinch. We interrogated her, charging her with the offenses past and present- and she stood up to it all, denied nothing.

547

shell never escape, she and her blood sister, the most barbaric death. Yes, I accuse her sister of an equal part in scheming this, this burial. Father, Im your sonyou in your wisdom set my bearing for me- I obey you. No marriage could ever mean more to me than you, whatever good direction you may offer.

710

and does what she feels is the honorable thing to do. It makes no sense for Creon to kill Antigone for giving Polynices the proper burial. Much less accuse and punish Ismene for a crime which she did not commit. I do not like his tyrannical way of ruling. But thats the way monarchies work. If Haemon truly means what he is telling his father than he didnt really love Antigone did he? There is something wrong with him. How could he just accept the death of his wife to be? Something is seriously wrong with that family.