Antigone by Sophocles: Plot Summary and Analysis

Introduction

• Setting: Thebes, after an invasion by Argos.
• Background: Oedipus's sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, die in battle on opposing sides.
• New Leadership: Creon becomes the king of Thebes.

Plot Summary

Opening

• Characters Introduced: Antigone and Ismene discuss their brothers' deaths.
• Creon's Decree: Polyneices is denied a burial; Eteocles honored with a funeral.

Rising Action

• Antigone's Rebellion: Antigone plans to defy Creon and bury Polyneices, claiming divine law is above mortal law.
• Ismene's Fear: Refuses to help Antigone due to fear of punishment.

Climax

• Antigone Caught: Defies Creon, admits to her actions, sentenced to death.
• Heman's Plea: Opposes his father's decision, disowns Creon after disagreement.

Falling Action

• Tiresias' Warning: Creon advised to free Antigone; ignores warning, resulting in tragedy.
• Deaths: Heman and Antigone die; Eurydice also commits suicide.

Resolution

• Creon's Realization: Understands his errors too late, loses family.
• Chorus' Ode: Stresses the importance of obeying the gods and humility.

Character Analysis

• Antigone: Defies Creon, prioritizes divine law over mortal law, willing to die for beliefs.
• Ismene: Initially fearful, later falsely confesses to support Antigone.
• Creon: King of Thebes, values his laws over divine decree, leads to personal tragedy.
• Heman: Creon's son, opposes Antigone's punishment, dies by suicide.
• Chorus: Elderly citizens, offer narration, initially supportive of Creon, later advise moderation.

Symbols and Irony

• Burial vs. Living Tomb: Creon's irony in burying Antigone alive and leaving Polyneices unburied.
• Birds: Symbolize prophecy and protection, used to describe Antigone and Tiresias' visions.

Themes

• Divine Law vs. Mortal Law: Antigone follows the gods, Creon enforces mortal laws.
• Family Loyalty vs. Civic Duty: Antigone prioritizes family and divine law over state law.
• Hubris and Arrogance: Creon's downfall due to pride and inflexibility.

Metaphors and Motifs

• Ships and Sailing: Symbolize governance and the consequences of inflexibility.
• Blindness: Tiresias' physical blindness vs. Creon's metaphorical blindness.

Conclusion

• Tragic Outcomes: The curse of Oedipus manifests in family destruction.
• Lessons: Importance of humility, obedience to the gods, and flexible leadership.