Imagery
In Ode 1 of Antigone, Sophocles uses imagery to describe the victory and triumph of man. The image of the “lion on the hill,” “the wild horse windy-maned,” and “the sultry shoulders of the mountain bull” reinforces the theme of man’s ability to be great yet also flaw. These images of lions, horses and bulls represent the strength and audacity of man. Lions symbolize courage, boldness, strength, mightiness, and sovereign of the jungle. With these characteristics of a lion, given in this image, a man can develop great hubris. The illustration of the lion on the hill symbolizes man guarding over the land he rules. Man, can be described with all of these characteristics of the lion. The representation of the “wild horse windy-maned,” symbolizes man and his untamed ability to achieve his goals. The image of the “sultry shoulders of the mountain bull,” signifies the determination of man to continue. The sultry shoulders tell of the sweat and blood that was shed to get to where man is today.