Antigone
Antigone is a Theban play based on the story of Oedipus. Sophocles wrote this play first but yet it is the last of the trilogy. It was written approximately in 441 BCE in Athens, Greece. This part of the trilogy takes place after the death of Oedipus and his sons. Polynices and Eteocles having killed each other for control over Thebes but unfortunately the two die leaving Creon, Oedipus' brother-in-law, in charge who is bossy and bureaucratic who has intent to assert his own authority.
The story continues with Creon now ruling the city, threatening to kill anyone who gives a rightful burial to Polynices for he brought a foreign army against Thebes. "No Burial of any kind. No wailing, no public tears. Give him to the vultures, unwept, unburied, To be a sweet treasure for their sharp eyes and beaks." (Line 28-30) Antigone and her sister Ismene resolve to give their brother a proper burial, but Ismene scared of getting into trouble backs out of burying. "I'll obey the men in charge." (Line 67) Though her sister does not help her she is not ashamed and she wants everyone to know that she did the right thing for her family. "[Creon] has no right to keep me from my own" (Line 48) "For god's sake, speak out. [Ismene] you'll be more enemy to me if you are silent. Proclaim it to the world!" (Line 86-87) A sentry goes to Creon and reports the news. Creon is furious and demands to know who it is; Antigone is then caught in the act.
When brought in front of Creon, Antigone admits the whole thing. "I did it. I won't deny anything." (Line 443) She also tells Creon that he not make the rules for the gods, by refusing to give Polynices the rightful burial is going against the gods. "I never thought your announcements could give you- a mere human being- Power to trample the gods' unfailing," (Line 454 456) Creon then condemns her to death " Go to Hades, then, and if you have to love, love someone dead." (Line 523 524) and he also condemned Ismene does not...
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