Main Theme Of Antigone - 942 Words

Themes are important to any story; they give the reader a sense of background and understanding when it comes to the events unfolding in the story. Many literary works include multiple themes, all of which convey important ideas about humanity and the way that society functions. In Antigone by Sophocles, themes exist such as determination, the conflict between conscience and law, the conflict between divine and human law, and familial loyalty. One key and central theme of Antigone is the importance of loyalty to family, which is shown through Antigones determination and dedication to her family, her conviction in the law of the gods, and her essence and personality as a dynamic character. In Antigone, the protagonists, Antigones,†¦show more content†¦Haemons mother, Eurydice, kills herself as well upon finding out what happened to her son. This shows that these characters value their family more than civil obedience to the head of power, Creon, who also realizes the importance of family relationships after he has lost every one of his family members. A conflict in Antigone that is part of the theme of familial loyalty is the conflict between divine law and human law. Antigone believes strongly in the law of the gods and respecting this law. This was common in ancient Greece, but Antigone held divine law higher above human law in importance. It is referenced and alluded to much in the play, and Antigone even shames her sister, Ismene, for potentially disrespecting the gods, saying if you wish, you can show contempt for those laws the gods all hold in honor (Sophocles). Antigones beliefs are the foundation for her familial beliefs and loyalty, because of the go ds principles. She defended her opposition to Creons laws by saying that Zeus did not announce the law as important to her, and that divine law is to be followed always and forever. She is extremely passionate and followed the law of the gods because the gods laws command the importance of honoring and valuing family relations. It is her responsibility to obey the laws of the gods before anything else, besides family, which goes hand-in-hand with her divine beliefs. Antigone also valuesShow MoreRelatedSophocles Antigone : The Third Of The Three Theban Tragic Plays1106 Words   |  5 PagesSophocles’s play, Antigone is the third of the three Theban tragic plays and was written around 440 B.C. and is still well known today. Sophocles s play Antigone tells a tragic story about family honor and a sister’s love for her brothers. After Antigone’s two brothers, Polynices and Eteocles died in battle, Creon became the new leader of Thebes. Creon orders that Eteocles have a proper burial while Polynices’s body remain unburied, simply left to rot. Antigone refuses to let her brother’s bodyRead MoreExplain the purpose of the main characters, minor characters and the chorus in Antigone. (30 marks)1556 Words   |  7 Pagespurpose of the main characters, minor characters and the chorus in Antigone. (30 marks) All characters which feature in Sophocles’ play Antigone play an important role somehow; mainly conveying a certain moral or theme. The major characters portray the main themes such as loyalty, whilst some of the minor characters and the chorus explore the theme of prophecy and fate. Antigone is one of/the main character in the play named after herself. However it is debatable whether she is the main characterRead MoreThe Four Main Characters In The Tragedy Of Antigone858 Words   |  4 Pagesdrama with a serious undertone that portrays themes such as love, hate, war, or betrayal. 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