Antigone and Ismene meet before dawn and talk about the misfortune that has befallen their brothers who have died after fighting over the control of Thebes. They discuss the decree given by the new ruler, Creon, which has prohibited any mourning of the two brothers. Antigone comes out as courageous and daring while Ismene appears to be more timid and non-confrontational. Antigone wants to go against the decree by the new King by going ahead to bury her brother and seeks Ismene’s help who, however, declines and opts to follow the King's law. This is seen in Ismene’s words, “! We are only women. We cannot fight with men, Antigone! The law is strong; we must give in to the law in this thing,” (Sophocles).
Scene 1
The sentry comes to inform Creon that Polynices' body had been buried. He fears to speak because he is unsure of how the King will react to the news.
The Choragos propose that probably the gods could be the ones who have taken the corpse mysteriously.
The Creon orders the Sentry to bring the man who had done what he had prohibited. It is a case of verbal irony because the one who buried the body is not a man, but a woman with the courage of a man.
The Ode at the end of scene one praise Thebes. The lines, “When the laws are kept, how proudly his city stands! / when the laws are broken, what of his city then?”(Sophocles), talk of what would happen to the city when there is a breakdown of the law.
Scene II
Antigone admits that she is guilty of defying the king’s degree because she feels that she is just in what she has done.
Creon asks Ismene if she too is guilty of defiance and she admits guilt. She admits her guilt to stand with her sister.
The ode talks about Oedipus’ family and the bad luck that keeps following them as seen in the lines “Where once the anger of heaven has struck, that house is shaken Forever: damnation rises behind each child
Scene III
Antigone and Haimon are engaged to be married. He agrees with his father’s actions out of obedience.
Haimon views Creon as an authority in his life and deems him wise. He, however, warns his father that his actions might have severe consequences on them.
Creon considers Haimon, a good son who is obedient and submissive. He is however angered by his support for Antigone.
The chorus praises the strength of the love between Antigone and Haimon.
The Ode talks of Antigone as the lines, “As here you have made bright anger Strike/ between father and son,” (Sophocles), demonstrate that she has caused the disagreement between Creon and his son.
Scene IV
Antigone is being taken to the death chambers that had been said by Creon as stated in the line “where all sleep at last.” She also says that she is going to say “goodbye to the sun.” Antigone blames her father and past deeds for her situation as she says, “Your marriage strikes from the grave to murder mine.”(Sophocles).
Antigone laments at her death and blames the sins of her father for the current punishment that she is going through. She accuses the people of Thebes for rejoicing over her grave.
He thinks that Antigone is to blame for her conduct
Scene IV
Teiresias informs Creon that he would be punished for his deeds, and the land will be cursed. Creon becomes angry and insults Teiresias and accuses her of having been bought.
Choragos advises Creon to let Antigone go, and he obeys. He does this because he fears the prophecy.
The Chorus adopts a prayerful tone to seek the god’s forgiveness and protection.
Works Cited
Sophocles (n.d.). Antigone. Web
