The play of Antigone has more to offer than what is portrayed on the surface. Not only is this tragedy an interesting story, Sophocles is a renowned philosopher who’s every word is a peace of wisdom about life. Sophocles poses questions about certain times it would seem acceptable to disobey the law. In this play we, the reader, feel sympathy for Antigone. Even though she has gone against law, we still feel for Antigone. This is the issue Sophocles addressed. Personally, I have two opinions of this issue. Although they are opposites of each other, it depends what perspective I am put in. Sophocles lets the reader make his own opinions about the play and makes us think about the outcome.
If I were put in the exact same position as Antigone, I would have to agree with her. If it were my brother, there would be nothing to get in my way of correctly honoring his death, no matter the circumstances. It is family. The only way to survive in life is to stick to your decisions and never waiver. If it is your true feelings, no one or anything will change your mind. I can not name a person who has survived life’s challenges by being a follower. Only the strong live long and the weak crumble under pressure. I have great respect for Antigone and the decision she made. The defiance shown by such a woman should be greatly respected.
The only way to make a personal opinion is by hearing all the points of views, then basing your judgments upon those results; if not, it is just ignorance talking. From the king’s perspective, he has to uphold the law and keep his reputation strong. If he were to give into Antigone, many civilians would see this action as a trait of weakness. A weak king never survives. He would have to let every foe be given the proper respect; he can not give any exceptions. So, from the king’s perspective, the only option is to keep the law.
This issue is obviously, very complex. During Sophocles’s time, mankind was just beginning to think and try to solve this problem. To this day, there is not a solution. Although there may be no complete solution, we have been able to make a compromise. When we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, not just the issue of respecting family, we see that many country’s have made compromises to this dilemma. In our country, we have to give a little to get a little. For the giving up of some freedoms, we can be sure that we are safe. In other country’s, such as
1 comment:
Manley--good blog, in which you raise several important points. Sophocles touches a nerve by making the basic issue one of family, as that is something absolutely central to most cultures and therefore most people.
Also, what makes a strong leader or a weak one? A weak king doesn't survive, but a good leader listens to all points of view, so Sophocles is suggesting that strength can be found as much in listening as in making up one's mind completely without the benefit of that wisdom. By that reasoning, I think that he's saying there is false strength (which Creon shows, thinking it the real thing) and real strength, which he learns about too late to do any good but which is no less real.
What do you think?
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