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'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.
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