Complexities of Society and Human Relationships in Antigone

The play Antigone, written by Sophocles, is a remarkable piece of Greek literature that explores the complexities of society and human relationships. It delves into the clash between personal beliefs and the laws of the state. Antigone, the protagonist, chooses to prioritize her familial and religious duties over the state's laws, even if it means facing death. Creon, the new ruler, is willing to sacrifice his niece and future daughter-in-law, Antigone, in order to uphold his decrees. Haemon, Creon's son, would rather die alongside his betrothed than obey his father's commands. Eurydice, Creon's wife, chooses to end her life rather than live with her cruel husband. Even the brothers Eteocles and Polynices, whose conflict sets the stage for the play, prefer killing each other rather than finding a peaceful resolution.

I concur with the author of the article "Writing About A Dramatic Structure" and his interpretation of the events and the play's dramatic vision. Antigone's powerful arguments for the importance of a higher law than that of the state are even more compelling due to her political powerlessness as a young woman. Her fearlessness, determination, and strength in fighting for justice are admirable. Antigone is an awe-inspiring character, not just in the eyes of Creon, but for the audience as well. Her willingness to engage in civil disobedience, even at the risk of her own life, astounds us all. We are both frightened and fascinated by her, as her defiance seems to be rooted in a deep acceptance of death. She becomes a champion for her vision of law, but tragically becomes a victim of another interpretation of the law.

Creon, too, succumbs to excess by stubbornly clinging to his role as a political authority figure, disregarding the pleas of his own family. As a result, he loses both his family and his standing as a ruler. The article helps us understand the unique qualities of the Greek play and its historical significance, literary structure, and its connection to the central theme. Antigone has served as an inspiration in various times and places. The play and the article suggest that conflicts between law and nature only emerged when society and its conventions were rejected as hindrances to a free and pleasurable life. The author discusses how clothing and language reappear in the anthropological patterns of human "inventions." Additionally, the author contemplates what animals would do to create gods if given the chance, illustrating the comparison between humans and animals. This implies that humans are merely a special type of animal, even when they create art that represents animals as gods or humans. These insights, borrowed from descriptive anthropologists, are of fundamental importance. The author skillfully subverts these insights, rendering them harmless. The dramatic method employed in the play is shown to be a deceptive technique that dissects a composite entity into its ideal elements and then reconstructs the composite from those elements.

In conclusion, Sophocles' play Antigone is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of society and human relationships. It delves into the clash between personal beliefs and the laws of the state, with Antigone and Creon representing opposing perspectives. The play's dramatic structure and themes are analyzed in the article "Writing About A Dramatic Structure," which provides valuable insights into the historical and literary significance of the play. Antigone's fierce determination and willingness to face death for her principles make her a compelling and terrifying character. Creon's stubborn adherence to his political authority leads to the loss of his family and his position as ruler. Overall, the play and the article shed light on the timeless themes and enduring power of Antigone as a work of literature.

1. Sophocles. Antigone. In McMahan, E., Day, S., Funk, R.W. Literature and the Writing Process (8th Edition). Prentice Hall; 8th edition, 2007, pp. 644-679.
2. "Writing About A Dramatic Structure." In McMahan, E., Day, S., Funk, R.W. Literature and the Writing Process (8th Edition). Prentice Hall; 8th edition, 2007, p. 641.