Antigone by Sophocles - Part 1

Jul 28, 2024

Antigone by Sophocles - Part 1

Characters

  • Antigone: Daughter of Oedipus and sister of Polyneices and Eteocles.
  • Ismene: Sister of Antigone.
  • Creon: King of Thebes.
  • Haimon: Creon's son and Antigone's betrothed.
  • Eurydice: Creon's wife.
  • Tiresias: A blind prophet.
  • Chorus: Elders of Thebes.
  • Various Messengers and Guards.

Plot Summary

Opening Scene: Antigone and Ismene

  • Antigone discusses the proclamation by Creon, forbidding the burial of their brother, Polyneices.
  • Ismene hesitates, citing the law and their limited power as women, but Antigone is determined to defy Creon's edict.

Creon's Edict

  • Proclaims proper burial for Eteocles and condemns Polyneices to be left unburied as traitor.
  • Creon stresses the importance of loyalty to the state above personal ties, showcasing strong authoritative stance.

Guard's Report

  • A guard informs Creon that Polyneices' body has been buried, hinting at an act of defiance.
  • Creon orders the culprit to be found, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to his law.

Antigone's Defiance

  • Antigone is caught burying her brother and brought before Creon.
  • She does not deny her actions and argues that divine law is higher than Creon's man-made laws.
  • Creon condemns her to death despite Haimon's plea for mercy.

Creon and Haimon

  • Haimon pleads for Antigone's life, arguing that the citizens of Thebes see her actions as honorable.
  • Creon dismisses Haimon’s arguments, emphasizing his role as ruler and enforcer of state laws.
  • Haimon leaves in anger, threatening not to return.

Antigone's Fate Sealed

  • Antigone is sentenced to be entombed alive in a cave, where she will slowly die, isolated from the world.
  • Ismene is initially spared but later appears to share in Antigone’s fate.
  • Antigone laments her fate, arguing that she honored the gods and family.

Chorus' Reflection

  • The Chorus reflects on the power of the gods, the law, and fate, acknowledging the inevitability of destiny and the consequences of defiance.

Note: This section covers Part 1, detailing the initial defiance, proclamations, and the pivotal confrontations that set the stage for the ensuing tragedy.