Antigone On Women Essay, Research Paper

Although ancient Greece was a male-dominate society, Sophocles? Antigone,

portrays women as being strong and capable of making wise decisions. In this

famous tragedy, Sophocles uses the characters Ismene and Antigone to show the

different characteristics and roles that woman are typical of interpreting.

Traditionally women are characterized as weak and subordinate and Ismene is

portrayed in this way. Through the character of Antigone, women finally get to

present realistic viewpoints about their character. The sexist stereotypes

presented in this tragedy address many perspectives of men at this time. Creon

the arrogant and tyrant leader is, the very character that exemplifies this

viewpoint. Antigone?s spirit is filled with bravery, passion and fury; which

allow her to symbolize the very essence of women. She is strong enough to do

what her conscious tells her despite the laws of the land. Many examples in the

play prove that Antigone?s character is very capable of making her own

decisions in the name of justice. First, Antigone opposes Creon?s law and

buries her slain brother; because in her mind it was immoral not to. She does

this because she is compassionate and loves her brother very much. Creon,

however, believes that his laws must be upheld and would do anything to prevent

any type rebelling. He is even more infuriated when he learns that a woman has

broken his laws. He tries to show Antigone who?s in charge by sentencing her

to a life of imprisonment. Secondly, Antigone shows how determined she is by

accepting her consequences with pride. She does not try to hide that she is

responsible for breaking Creon?s laws, moreover, she takes all the credit. All

the while she maintains her strength because she truly believes in her actions.

These sorts of actions ultimately prove that Antigone is courageous and willing

to stand up to men, which was completely against the norm at this time. Her

spirit refuses to submit to the role of a helpless woman like her sister

Ismene?s character does. Ismene is a coward and refuses to help her sister

because she feared men. This fear propels her to turn her head to the disrespect

that is been shown to her brother, Polyneices. Her character is a close

representation of the viewpoints of the male gender regarding women. She is

subordinate and weak-willed. She refuses to stand up to Creon even though in her

heart she knows that his laws are morally wrong. This type of demeanor in famous

works of art is very common for women to behave like, according to the position

of men. Ismene proclaims, ?We are only women, we cannot fight with men,

Antigone!? (Sophocles, pg.187) Proving that she is unwilling to do the right

thing if it means standing up to a man. Another example of how spineless Ismene

is portrayed is when she tries to take credit for burying her brother with

Antigone. She is so scared that she will be left all alone with out Antigone

that she is willing to die with her. Creon demonstrates his lack of respect for

women again when he tries to accuse Ismene of aiding Antigone. Then when he

realizes she had no part in the crime does he describes her as, ??.she never

had a mind at all.? (Sophocles, pg.208) The play is also filled with instances

of a sexist male viewpoint. Creon is the leader of the Theben throne a position

he highly regards. He believes that he has a divine rule and therefor his laws

are just and fair. He rules the kingdom with an iron fist and demonstrates his

prejudices towards women throughout the play. First, Creon is so upset that his

laws are broken by Antigone that tries to hurt her as much as possible. He tries

to act as prideful as possible, he states, ?No woman shall seduce us. If we

must lose, Let?s lose to a man, at least. Is a woman stronger than we??

(Sophocles,pg.212) This is proof that Creon does not see women as equal to the

authority of men. He feels that women have no common sense and, therefor, must

be punished for their irrationality. He eventually realizes that he has offended

the Gods with his actions as ruler of Thebes. It is not until his own wife kills

herself because of his tyranny against humanity does he realize his mistakes.

This of course is way too late to redeem his lost loved ones or take back his

contempt toward women. The Greek tragedy Antigone by Sophocles is one of the

first dramatic plays that demonstrates the different roles women play in

society. The two sisters Ismene and Antigone portray major female

characteristics. While Antigone plays the role of a strong and sensible woman,

Ismene portrays the typical meek and mild role. The character of Creon

demonstrates through his tyrant rule, the sexist male viewpoint of the ancient

Greek world. This play proves that gender difference has always been present in

society.