Desire And Violence Book Review Examples

Sophocles’ literary work “Antigone,” is one of the most popular books related to Greek mythology. Antigone, the central character of the book, believes that both her birth and family history instilled a desire of death in her instead of a desire for life. When Antigone realizes that Creon’s prohibition on burying a body is against the law of gods, she does not risk death to bury a child or a husband. However, in the case of her brother Polyneices, Antigone happily risks death to bury as she desires death to have a union with her brother that she longs for. The quote from the story “The desire of our eyes is now made manifest in this lovely bride” implies that desire must suit the right actions, extending from deficiency through moderation into excess.
Sophocles portrays violence in the book “Antigone,” through the actions of Creon. Creon, a man who desires the citizens of Thebes to obey his law above all moral and religious laws is the root cause of violence in the story. Sophocles presents violence when Creon prohibits burying Polyneices and orders to leave the body to vultures and dogs. Violence in the story is also visible from Antigone’s words when she says “My nails are broken, my fingers are bleeding, my arms are covered with the welts left by the paws of your guards—but I am a queen!” . In the end of the story, Creon orders to execute Antigone for burying her brother against his order. Creon does not give a second thought that Antigone is his niece. His violent wish takes the life of Antigone. Creon’s heartlessness also leads to the death of his son and wife leaving nothing for him.