Antigone is a Theban play based on the story of Oedipus. Sophocles wrote this play first but yet it is the last of the trilogy. It was written approximately in 441 BCE in Athens, Greece. This part of the trilogy takes place after the death of Oedipus and his sons. Polynices and Eteocles having killed each other for control over Thebes but unfortunately the two die leaving Creon, Oedipus’ brother-in-law, in charge who is bossy and bureaucratic who has intent to assert his own authority.
The story continues with Creon now ruling the city, threatening to kill anyone who gives a rightful burial to Polynices for he brought a foreign army against Thebes. “No Burial of any kind. No wailing, no public tears. Give him to the vultures, unwept, unburied, To be a sweet treasure for their sharp eyes and beaks.” (Line 28-30) Antigone and her sister Ismene resolve to give their brother a proper burial, but Ismene scared of getting into trouble backs out of burying. “I’ll obey the men in charge.” (Line 67) Though her sister does not help her she is not ashamed and she wants everyone to know that she did the right thing for her family. “[Creon] has no right to keep me from my own” (Line 48) “For god’s sake, speak out. [Ismene] you’ll be more enemy to me if you are silent. Proclaim it to the world!” (Line 86-87) A sentry goes to Creon and reports the news. Creon is furious and demands to know who it is; Antigone is then caught in the act.
When brought in front of Creon, Antigone admits the whole thing. “I did it. I won’t deny anything.” (Line 443) She also tells Creon that he not make the rules for the gods, by refusing to give Polynices the rightful burial is going against the gods. “I never thought your announcements could give you- a mere human being- Power to trample the gods’ unfailing,” (Line 454 – 456) Creon then condemns her to death “ Go to Hades, then, and if you have to love, love someone dead.” (Line 523 – 524) and he also condemned Ismene does not mind for she later realizes that family comes first. “I did it, I confess…. I am an accomplice, and I bear responsibility with [Antigone].” (Line 536-537). Antigone does not agree with Ismene sudden bravery to die for something she did not do, Ismene probably knew Antigone was going to be known for her bravery and she might have wanted part of the attention. “No, you may not die along with me. Don’t say you did it! You wouldn’t even touch it. Now leave my death alone!” (Line 546-547)
Creon’s decision to kill Antigone, is right and wrong. Antigone despite the rules that were given did what she thought was right and that is give her brother, someone she loves, a burial just like her other brother Eteocles, who was praised by the people Thebes. Then again, Creon had every right as king to condemn her for those were the rules.
As an act of family Creon should not have condemned his own niece and future daughter-in-law, for she was betrothed to Haemon, son of Creon. He also as an uncle should have gave Polynices a proper burial just like he did with Eteocles.
To justify Creon’s actions an example has to be made. Believe that the one to bury Polynices was a villager, not a sense of royalty like Antigone. If she were condemned people would believe that Creon was right to do so for he is king and it was said that he would kill anyone who dared to bury Polynices. The villager would see no mercy but since Antigone is not only a princess in the story but related to Creon, actions are then questioned.
Unfortunately what Antigone thought was the right thing though it may have been in the eyes of loved ones. Creon, obviously not caring for the feelings of his son Haemon who loves Antigone, does not change his mind and sends Antigone away to be killed. “O Haemon, dearest, what a disgrace your farther does to you!” (Line 572) Torn apart about the news of his beloved so Haemon goes to meet his father, at first it seems as if sides with his fathers decision “I am yours, Father. You set me straight, give me good advice, and I will follow it” (Line 635-636) but, then he shows his true feelings by changing his views and siding with Antigone. “Because I see you going wrong. Because justice matters!” “You have no respect at all if you trample on the rights of gods!” (Line 743, 745)
Creon after talking to Tiresias who is the city’s local prophet feels bad about having Antigone condemned to death he feels the need to release her. “I put her away, I must be there to release her.” (Line 1112) But now it is too late and Antigone is dead and so is Haemon. “Haemon is dead, killed by his own flesh and blood…. He killed himself, in a rage with his father, for her death.” (Line 1175, 1177) Creon’s wife, Eurydice, overhearing the news from the messenger asks to know the whole story and then leaves the room.
Creon reappearing into the scene, mourns for his son and admits he had bad judgement. “You were expelled from life by my bad judgment, never yours.” (Line 1268 – 1269) the Messenger now informs Creon of more discouraging news, “Your wife is dead, poor woman. Fresh-killed, a mother to match this dead boy.” (Line 1283 - 1284) Eurydice had one thing to say before dying “These are your crimes, Childkiller” which is directed towards Creon and his actions for he killed the children of his own and of his sisters. The play ends with this note “So it is one learns, in old age, to be wise.” These famous words have replayed to teach others that though one might know something when you are older you opinion will probably change.
Something learned is that though Creon in the beginning believed that one must follow and obey rules but later learns that sometime rules must be broken, giving Antigone’s reasoning to bury her brother was right and everyone in the end agrees.


Citations
Paul Woodruff, Sophocles’ Antigone (Indianapolis/Cambridge:
Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2001)

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