Ms. Peifer
10 IB Hour 5
24 November 2008
LRJ 2- Imagery, fatal flaw, anagnorisis, peripetia, catharsis, and the characterization of women in Antigone
A repeated image in Antigone is the unburied body of Polyneices. These are not flattering images. "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food" (Sophocles 816). This was said by Antigone while speaking of her brother's abandoned corpse. Creon also spoke of it, "...he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with him whatever they like." (Sophocles 819). These images play into the main idea of the Greek drama. Antigone did not want to leave his brother's body dishonored and unburied. Creon saw Polyneices as an enemy to his land and wanted to humiliate the late Polyneices, banning anyone to give him proper burial rights. This is how Antigone fell to her punishment and death. She could not ignore the family values she believed in and saw Polyneices as a brother before an enemy.
The fatal flaw of Creon was stubbornness. It was this characteristic that led him to his downfall and brought on the tragic ending in Antigone. Creon was too stubborn to change his mind about Antigone's fate or his opinion of his nephew, Polyneices. Teiresias, a fortune teller, comes to warn Creon of his choices, but Creon tells him this, "No doubt. Speak: Whatever you say, you will not change my will." (Sophocles 837). Haimon, Creon's son and Antigone's fiancee, also attempts to convince Creon otherwise and Creon replies, "For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people-I will slay her." (Sophocles paragraph 175). Creon is too stubborn to back out of his word now. He is fearful of looking foolish and weak to his people if does not keep the punishment. Creon's actions reveal he is too stubborn and prideful to be compassionate about the matter. Even after Haimon threatens to kill himself should Antigone die, Creon does not budge.
Nearing the end of the play, Creon comes to realize his mistake, comes to his peripetia. "Ah me, 'tis hard, but I resign my cherished resolve,-I obey. We must not wage a vain war with destiny." (Sophocles paragraph 288). Creon also declares this, "Even as I am I'll go:-on, on, my servants, each and all of you,-take axes in your hands, and hasten to the ground that ye see yonder! Since our judgment hath taken this turn, I will be present to unloose her, as myself bound her. My heart misgives me, 'tis best to keep the established laws, even to life's end." (Spohocles paragraph 290). Although his new intent was too late. He finds that his wife Eurydice, his son Haimon, and his niece Antigone have all committed suicide due to his actions. When Creon has a change of heart he races to free Antigone only to find her dead, along with Haimon. Eurydice ends her life after learning of her husband's actions, blaming him for Haimon's death. Creon discovers his true character when arriving to his anagnorisis. "...Oh it is hard to give in! But it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride." (Sophocles 837). He then experiences great sorrow and shows the audience or readers great emotion through catharsis. "It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in, quickly, friends. I have neither life nor substance. Lead me in." (Sophocles 841). It is here that Creon accepts his actions and takes responsibility for the tragedy.
Throughout Antigone, there is characterization of women. Antigone, for whom the play is named, is a woman. She is depicted as brave, strong, and someone who values family over everything else. Antigone stands up to her uncle's law that forbids the burial of her brother. She knows of the dire consequences and still proceeds, courageously. Antigone is caught disobeying Creon's wishes, and is sentenced to death. Instead of pleading and begging for her life, she accepts her fate and faces it. While being brought to the tomb she will be left in to die Antigone says this, "See me, citizens of my fatherland, setting forth on my last way, looking my last on the sunlight that is for me no more; no, Hades who gives sleep to all leads me living to Acheron's shore; who have had no portion in the chant that brings the bride, nor hath any song been mine for the crowning of bridals; whom the lord of the Dark Lake shall wed." (Sophocles paragraph 224). Antigone sacrificed her life to bring honor to her brother, showing selflessness. Being that Antigone is the main character, her characterization must have reflected Sophocles's views on others.
Works Cited
Spohocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001. 814-826
Sophocles. "Antigone." The Internet Classic Archive. Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04Oct2000. Classics. mit. edu. 24Nov2008 http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/antigone.html.
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