Antigone Paper

Claire McGlave

Ms. Peifer

10 IB English p. 5

26 November, 2008

Innocence

Antigone is innocent. She has honored the death of a family member, as anyone would be expected to do.  Her brother disobeyed the law by fighting against his own city. He was refused a burial, and left out to be devoured by the sources of nature. Though her families honor may have contradicted the law, she was right to defend her heritage. 

One may say that Antigone's brother, Polyneices, broke the law and should not be honored by a burial. He went against his city, his people, even his own brother. He was standing up for what he believed in, he was headstrong just like his sister. Without people like this, how would our world improve? Things would never change if people never took a stand, many issues would never be addressed.  This is why it is important to recognize people who are independent and tenacious. 

When the king decreed that Polyneices should not have a burial, Antigone was outraged. This is completely dishonorable to her brother. Regarding this the king said: "It hath been proclaimed to our people that none shall grace him with secpulture or lament, but leave him unburied, a corpse for birds and dogs to eat, a ghastly sight of shame." (Sophocles, lines 235-238).  Antigone has values. She chose to stand up for her brother. She shows this when she says, "But if I'd allowed my own mother's dead son to just lie there, and unburied corpse, then I'd feel distress. What going on here does not hurt me at all." (Sophocles, lines 527-531). Antigone had the courage to stand up for her brother, and the virtue to know that she needs to do so. She has proven a very honorable character, and therefore much respect is demanded. 

Works Cited

Sophocles. "Antigone"  The Internet Classics Archive. (this is underlined) Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04              Oct. 2000. classics.mit.edu 25 Nov 2008                              

Antigone LRJ #2

Claire McGlave
Ms. Peifer
10 IB English Hr. 5
11/24/08

Antigone LRJ #2

An important image comes from Antigone, when she speaks of her brother, Polyneices, being left out to be eaten alive. She says, "But his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food. " (Sophocles, lines 21-22). This is important because it shows Antigone's point very virtually, which is very convincing. It is referenced many times later in the play. For example, when the sentry is informing Crion of what has happened, he says, "The dead man- Polyneices, out there, somewhere new dust on the flesh!" (Sophocles, lines 100-103). Also, "Look- the body just mounded over with dirt!" (Sopholces, lines 113-114). and lastly, "The ground was dry, not a sign of digging, no. Not a wheel track in the dust, no trace of anyone." (Sophocles, lines 108-109). These are all examples of the sentry describing Polyneices' body. One last one is, "We went back and brushed the dust back from the body. The flesh was soft by now, and stinking." (Sophocles lines 24-25). These are all very graphic descriptions, which are quite efective with readers.
Antigone's fatal flaw is being so tenacious. She is always very headstrong, which is quite an honorable quality. However, this can get her into trouble. This is shown in the play, when Antigone says to Creon, " I know all too well I’m going to die—how could I not?—it makes no difference what you decree. And if I have to die before my time, well, I count that a gain." (Sophocles lines 519-521). She is talking about burying her dead brother, and how important this to her. So important she would be willing to die for it. This is very impressive, but as the play proves, it will seal her fate.
Antigone has always seen the truth. From her point of view, she has always done the right thing, in burying her brother and freeing her sister. Her headstrong ways lead her to have confidence in everything she does. This means that she is always seeing the truth, or at least her own truth.
The catharsis of this play occurs when the audience finds Antigone dead by hanging herself. They aren't especially surprised, but it was quite brutal and graphic. This emotion was intensified when Haimon kills himself along Antigone. This could make the audience feel sad, or even defeated because they may have thought something would prevail and the characters wouldn't die tragically. That was a very tragic climax.
Women in this play are characterized very boldly in this play. For example, Antigone went against the king for her brother's honor. Ismene completely changed her mind, and sided with her sister which was a very bold move. However, without this strength they show by being bold makes the story have a point and it makes it more interesting. Without all these character traits the story would be boring and pointless.

Antigone Writing Assignment

Polyneices Found Buried!

After a great battle between Polyneices and his brother Eteolcles (who was defending our fair kingdom) both brothers remain dead. A grand burial service was held for great Eteocles, honoring his service to our King. His foe Polyneices, the enemy of our city was declared to be left to the dogs and vultures, may they do what they will with him. Just moments ago, word has come that this man tainted with evil and rebellion for his own kingdom was found buried! This is such a dishonor to our King, whoever has committed this distasteful and ridiculous felony will surely be charged with death. May all beware, for this foe is lurking among us. 

What's In a Name?

I was enjoying a dinner with my family and some neighbors this weekend, when the common topic of school came about in our conversation. After the normal, standard questions of "how's school?" or "what's your favorite class?" using the internet for school purposes became a topic of discussion. Once the dinner table heard I had a new blog, they all decided they wanted to see what we were doing... and have all decided to become followers! When they found out I had such a mundane name as "English grade 10 IB journals" we decided that I could be much more creative than that. So, after many, many suggestions (many of which were clever plays on my name that went right over my head) we narrowed it down to five choices. And then we were stuck. We could not seem to settle on one. It dawned on us that this is a decision to be left to the people that matter the most- the readers! So I have posted a poll based on our top 5 choices.... give me some input, and let the best title win!

:)

First blog!

I have never blogged before. However, I think this is going to be a good experience for everyone-being able to read everyone's LRJ's will be really helpful. Looking back, I realize there are many times when, if I had known or been familiar with blogging, it would have been a very good way to remember my experiences, especially when traveling and meeting new people. It also would've been great to share pictures and stories with my family and friends at home. I think this is going to be a great way to communicate and help each other with english assignments... and hopefully it will be faster as well. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say!