Antigone (Dover Thrift Editions)
by Sophocles
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Book Summary Information
Author: SophoclesBrand: Dover Publications
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-10-12
ISBN: 0486278042
Number of pages: 64
Publisher: Dover Publications
Book Reviews of Antigone (Dover Thrift Editions)
Book Review: Relevant today
Summary: 5 Stars
The Greek tragedy of Antigone is a pivotal work of literature not only in today's society, but also in Sophocles' time period. Sophocles' bold action in not only placing a woman as the heroine in his play, but naming the play after her as well contradicted all traditional gender ideas of that period, and consequently made an unspoken statement to his society. The Greek playwright also addresses the traditional Greek views of hubris and the inescapable fate that haunts human lives, writing in such a way that his "sermon" does not overshadow the story itself. The play is used to communicate the issues, rather than the issues being used to create the play.
Though Sophocles addressed many points within Antigone, his main purpose was to bring into focus the philosophical question regarding two contrasting authorities: Man's and God's. This contrast is first seen through Antigone and Ismene's argument over the burial of their brother, Polynices. Antigone defies the law prohibiting his burial and repeatedly states that her loyalty and honor will remain with the gods, and not with man's law (p.3). When charged by Creon with criminal offense, and questioned as to why she had so defied the king, Antigone exclaims that Zeus himself did not declare the law preventing the honor of Polynices; therefore she is not obligated to personally honor it. This angers Creon, who feels that, as king, he holds supreme authority, and no one, especially not a woman, should be allowed to show any form of defiance (p.17).
Very accurate pictures of Antigone and Creon are portrayed by the Greek Chorus on page 35 and further show the struggle between the two authorities. The story of the mortal Danae is a clear representation of Antigone, telling of how the Greek heroine was shut up in a cave to die, and yet was looked upon with so much favor by Zeus that he conceived a child with her. This is a strong foreshadow of the gods' favor towards Antigone and her decision, for she herself would be buried alive because of her honor to the law of the gods and not to man. Creon is shown through the story of Lycurgus, a madman who was known for killing both his wife and son, and was severely punished by the Heavenly Beings for his excessive pride. This also is a use of foreshadow, for Creon's wife and son would also die, and his rigid pride would eventually cause his ruin. Both stories show which character gained, or lost, the gods' favor, while displaying the struggle of Man's law with the Divine (p.35-36).
Sophocles also included what seems to remain the focal point throughout all Greek theatre: the folly of Man's constant pride. The Greeks believed that pride was a dangerous sin, and was always met with awful outcomes. This viewpoint is shown in the story of Lycurgus mentioned before (p.35-36). However, it is largely communicated by the way the gods choose to deal with Creon, which is shown in his lament on pages 47-52.
Antigone includes a wide range of lessons throughout. One that I personally gathered was the immense effect that each individual's actions have on those surrounding him or her. Each part in the chain of events that occur within Antigone is created by the preceding links. Polynices' rebellion prompted Creon's decree, which led to Antigone's defiant decision. Her decision increased the rigidity of Creon's pride, leading to his declaration of punishment, the destruction of his family, the judgment from the gods, and ultimately Creon's failure as king. These few repercussions of decisions made are a small representation of the consequences, whether good or bad, that resulted from each person's action(s). In the same way, so my personal choices affect future events and those around me as well. It is important to remember that not only do my priorities and values impact my own life, but others' also, and this must be considered before action is taken. The slightest change in events may make an incredible difference in the future.
I would absolutely recommend this play to be read by others. Not only does Sophocles' use of foreshadow and his constant historical and mythological references give a sense of intrigue and liveliness to the play, but his work also provides a deeper understanding of Greek values and the importance which religion held throughout their society. It is also interesting to note that the prominent issue that Sophocles discusses throughout the plot, the struggle of the supremacy between the law of Man and the law of God, is voiced largely in our own culture today. Consequently, this shows that societies may excel scientifically, socially, mentally, etc, and yet still be dealing with issues that have not been resolved for thousands of years. This fact alone grants relevance to the study of history and the lives of those before us, and gives strong reasoning that Antigone is not just another classic piece of literature, but one that is useful to read and applicable even today.
Summary of Antigone (Dover Thrift Editions)
When Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, chooses to obey the law of the gods rather than an unconscionable command from Creon, ruler of Thebes, she is condemned to death. How the gods take their revenge on Creon provides the gripping denouement to this compelling tragedy, still one of the most frequently performed of classical Greek dramas. Footnotes.
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