Essay 2

Antigone

By: Mack Brazelle

Antigone is best described as a strong and determined woman living in a time when women were more often passive and obedient. Antigone’s character is displayed by her motivation to give her dead brother, Polynices, a proper burial despite it being forbidden by Creon. Creon is the Captain-general of the army and successor to the throne. Creon ordered the punishment of death for anyone who buried Polynices. Although knowing that burying Polynices would bring her death, Antigone symbolically placed dirt on his body. Not only did Antigone commit this crime, she also made no effort to conceal it. Her loyalty to her family was so strong that she was willing to give her own life so her dead brother could lie at rest.

In the opening of the play, Antigone confronts her sister, Ismene, with the news that their brother would not be permitted proper burial. Antigone hoped her sister would help, but Ismene refused to cross the powerful Creon. Ismene thought it impossible to bury Polynices, and tried to persuade Antigone to not attempt such a dangerous act. Antigone would not be deterred by her sister. She tells Ismene, “Well, when I find I have no power to stir, I will cease trying.” Antigone’s strong will is evident unlike that of her sister. She is driven by her passion for justice and family loyalty. Ismene does not possess Antigone’s courage but is instead a woman controlled by reason and fear.