Themes: Fate Versus Free Will
A major source of tension in Antigone is the conflict between fate and free will. There are many ways to argue either side. For example, it is simple to point out Creon’s obstinate dismissal of other perspectives, or his selfish and cruel desire to have his son’s bride killed, and argue that these are conscious choices he makes and that he must pay the price. Antigone, similarly, could easily choose to try to reason with the king, or she could choose not to act at all, submitting instead to a quiet grief like Ismene’s. Indeed, Ismene points out to Antigone that her abject rebellion against the king is a choice that will get her killed, and for it is for this reason that Ismene refuses to participate. As a result of this choice, Ismene manages to survive the tragedy.
But on the other hand, it is equally fair to argue that Antigone’s death, especially in the context of her duty to family, is fated to happen from the beginning, as the natural outcome of Oedipus and Jocasta’s incestuous family line. Similarly, Creon’s losses are prophesied by Tiresias and foreshadowed on numerous occasions as the work of the Furies, who seek vengeance on behalf of the wronged gods. Seen this way, Creon could never have intervened to prevent the death of his son and wife.
But Sophocles offers a third option. The conflict of the play stems from Creon’s political incursion into the realm of the divine and Antigone’s religious incursion into the realm of politics. This fundamental imbalance of opposing powers creates the necessity of resolution. If Antigone is conceived as not so much an individual as she is a force for the gods, and Creon is seen as the embodiment of the human political realm, then the conflict in which they are engaged is clearly fated toward a self-destructive conclusion with losses on both sides. In this way, Antigone and Creon can be both responsible for their own behaviors and subject to fated outcomes beyond their individual control. The end result, therefore, is that both Antigone and Creon are devices of the gods to establish a balance between the political realm and the realm of the divine.
Expert Q&A
Can you explain the meaning of this quote by the Chorus in Antigone?
"Wisdom is by far the greatest part of joy, and reverence toward the gods must be safeguarded. The mighty words of the proud are paid in full with mighty blows of fate, and at long last those blows will teach us wisdom."
This quote from the Chorus underscores the play's moral lesson: wisdom and reverence for the gods are vital for true happiness. Creon's prideful decisions, driven by political motives, led to tragedy because he ignored divine laws. His refusal to bury Polyneices resulted in the deaths of Antigone, his son Haemon, and wife Eurydice. The Chorus warns that pride incurs severe consequences, teaching the importance of humility and respecting divine will.
What does the chorus in Antigone say about fate?
The Chorus in "Antigone" portrays fate as a powerful, omnipresent force akin to a deity, influencing human circumstances beyond control. Initially, fate is seen as working for both good and evil, but as the tragedy unfolds, the Chorus views it as primarily causing woe. This shift reflects the Greek concept of "hamartia," where a character's tragic flaw leads them to their fate, intertwining personal narrative with inevitable outcomes.
What does Ismene mean by "Remember we are women, we're not born to contend with men"? How does this relate to Antigone's claim that her crime is holy?
Why does the play Antigone open with a mention of the tragedy of Oedipus?
What is the meaning of Antigone's lines: "The dead man and the gods who rule the dead know whose act this was. Words are not friends"?
Antigone's lines emphasize her defiance and independence by distancing herself from her sister, Ismene. She asserts that the dead and the gods understand who truly defied Creon's laws, implying Ismene's initial refusal to help with the burial. Antigone dismisses Ismene's attempt to share her punishment, suggesting words alone cannot replace genuine action or commitment. This highlights Antigone's singular focus on justice and honor, even at the cost of isolation.
In Sophocles' Antigone, what do the Chorus claim even the Immortals cannot escape?
In Sophocles' Antigone, the Chorus claims that even the Immortals cannot escape the power of Eros, the god of love. They emphasize that both gods and humans are subject to Eros's influence, highlighting the universal and inescapable nature of love's power. This ode by the Theban elders underscores the theme of love's overwhelming and sometimes destructive force within the play.
How can Creon's quote about "hard minds" from Sophocles' Antigone be interpreted?
Creon: But know that hard minds fall the hardest, and that iron, so powerful of itself, baked to exceeding hardness, you might see crack and break into pieces.
Creon's quote about "hard minds" in Sophocles' Antigone suggests that stubbornness leads to downfall. He warns that those who refuse to compromise, like Antigone, will "break into pieces" when faced with adversity. This reflects the idea that inflexibility can lead to destruction. Ironically, Creon himself embodies this trait, as his own rigid stance contributes to his tragic downfall, affecting his family and Antigone.
Exploring the theme of fate versus free will in Sophocles's Antigone
Antigone explores the theme of fate versus free will by depicting characters who struggle against their predetermined destinies. Antigone defies Creon's law, asserting her free will, but ultimately, her fate is sealed by her lineage and the curse on her family. Creon’s downfall also suggests that despite his choices, he cannot escape the consequences ordained by fate.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
