Heroes in The Play Antigone

In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone, much like Malala, knew what she was determined to do and did not let anyone prevent her from accomplishing her goal. The conviction and attitude that there's a broader sense of justice beyond the established rules seen in Malala is also evident in Antigone when she believes the laws of the gods are much more significant than Creon's will ever be. Although Creon had proclaimed that her brother Polyneices would not be buried, Antigone pursued her values and buried him, fully aware of the risks and consequences of her actions. The courage and determination that Antigone has shown is also evident in Malala. Not only were they around the same age and shared the same gender, but they achieved something that most individuals in their society might not have had the bravery to do. Both Antigone and Malala were willing to put their lives at risk and take a stand for what they believe in and what was morally justifiable. This unwavering commitment to their beliefs highlights their extraordinary strength and resilience.

Heroes in The Play Antigone

Malala Yousafzai, a young woman, stands up to men or world leaders more powerful than she is, yet refuses to suppress a young girl's voice that believes in something larger and more powerful than she ever has. Malala believes that everyone, especially girls, ought to have the opportunity to be educated; she perceives it as a fundamental right for everybody to be able to read, write, and think. Malala states in her Nobel speech, “The terrorists tried to stop us and attacked me and my friends who are here today, on our school bus in 2012, but neither their ideas nor their bullets could win” (Yousafzai, 2014). The government and terrorist groups did, and even still do, not see things that way and did everything in their power to censor her much as Creon tried to silence Antigone. Malala's struggle emphasizes the ongoing global fight for gender equality and the right to education.

Malala is optimistic and open-minded, just like Antigone; she could not see the issue with young girls being taught just like young boys are. Malala's government looks at women much like Creon in Antigone, and we can see that, like Antigone, Malala believes that a change can be made and that there are opportunities and benefits in the end. Both alike in personality, Antigone and Malala are very stubborn and will not go down without a fight. For example, Antigone declares, “Very well: when my strength gives out, I shall do no more” (Sophocles, line 75), and Malala says in her Nobel speech, “This is where I will begin, but it is not where I will stop. I will continue this fight until I see every child, every child in school” (Yousafzai, 2014).

Legacy of Courage

Both Malala and Antigone are heroes. They're both strong, independent women who stand up for something bigger than themselves because they know that ultimately, change is going to take place, and people will start looking at things with a different perspective. Antigone was a woman well ahead of her time, even as a fictional character, as she was a feminist well before this theory was ever discussed. Malala is battling in a time where women are already able to learn. She genuinely wants to amplify the voices of thousands of girls around the world so that she can ensure that no girls are denied the opportunity for a proper education. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the impact one individual can have in challenging unjust systems and advocating for the rights of others.

References

1. Sophocles. (n.d.). Antigone.

2. Yousafzai, M. (2014). Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Retrieved from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2014/yousafzai/lecture/