Published Writing Assignment #1, Question 4

            The Chorus of Thebes is a neutral character within the dramatic tragedy that is Antigone, written by Sophocles.  This Chorus defines the thoughts and opinions of the people of Thebes. They never truly intervene in any conflict or confrontation, yet they are always able to somehow impact both the characters and the audience.  While this Chorus is unbiased and all knowing, they do not collaborate with one character or another, even when they know that he or she is in great peril or danger. These individuals explain themselves very well once they are caught in between two characters, yet they would never take one side by stating that “Both of [them] have spoken well...” (Sophocles 779-780).  However, the Chorus speaks about death and acts of danger quite a few times throughout Antigone in both as more of a free spoken idea, something that could be changed by one’s actions, and fate, something bound to happen no matter what.  I fully believe that the Chorus of Thebes allows Antigone to fully support that every person has the will to do what they please and any mistakes that could happen are those of their own doing.

            Creon was told time and time again by both the Chorus and his son, Haemon, that executing Antigone for what she had done was wrong and could backfire.  In light of what they both said, Creon took it upon himself to “Spit on her, throw her out like an enemy… kill her” (Sophocles 704-708).  Even though Creon had many chances to go against his own ruling, he never faltered or even thought to let her go.  Antigone shows that everyone has a chance to change how he or she think and what they do, even if there is some sort of obstacle in their way.  Whether that obstacle be pressure from others or something within themselves that is holding them back, This play explains how it is right to do what you, alone, think is the right thing to do.   Between the chorus and those characters that act upon impulse, like Creon or Antigone, there is no fate; it would be more of just sheer freedom to express their own opinions through fatally flawed actions.

            It is not like Antigone was destined to bury the body of her traitor brother, Polyneices, but it was what she thought to be just and appropriate.  Even though she knew that she would be playing with death, Antigone wanted to do something right by her brother so he could go on to the afterlife.  Antigone was rather valiant about her deed, she could have cared less about any and all other people going against her, like Creon and her own sister, Ismene.  Antigone tells her sister to “make straight your own path to destiny…” (Sophocles 96), defining that she would want her sister to do her own deeds without anyone explaining that it would be fate to do so.  She exemplifies herself as a martyr when she commits suicide as well as a girl who knew that she had free reign to do whatever she wanted, not bound to something as harsh or defined as fate.

Also, in response to Donté Hendricks’ post:

I completely agree with your quote that explains that the women are, in fact, inferior during the time period, Donté, yet, Antigone does not set the example as an “inferior.”  She completely goes against the grain and does an act against their leader, Creon (their uncle), therefore not being so unequal!  And even if the underlying theme is gender bias, Antigone, the tragic hero and main protagonist, is the exact opposite. For example, she even would rather her sister, Ismene, “shout it out” (Sophocles 99) to all of Thebes that she is trying to go against Creon’s edict than let her be silent about something so daring and rebellious.