Themes: Gender Roles
Antigone, as a character, can be something of a paradox, in that she is both powerless and powerful. As a woman, she holds no political power, which Ismene reminds her about when they speak together early in the play. And yet, Sophocles does not depict powerless women. Indeed, even Ismene’s reminder—“Remember we are women, / we’re not born to contend with men” (lines 74–75)—is almost self-contradictory. Her broader role within mythology as well as within the Oedipus trilogy helps the audience to understand that even Ismene herself likely doesn’t believe the content of this line to be true.
It may be helpful, therefore, to draw a distinction between political gender roles in ancient Greek society, on the one hand, and socioreligious gender roles on the other. It is true that Antigone, and women in general, have very little political power within a city-state such as Thebes. Despite being Oedipus’s direct offspring, neither Antigone or Ismene inherit the throne of Thebes; instead, it goes to Creon, Oedipus’s brother in law, simply because he is a man.
However, as is clear from the conclusion of the play, political power is not the only form of power. The ability to create and sustain bloodlines is one directly endowed to women, as is the duty to provide for the rights of dead relatives. Sophocles reminds the audience of this distinction in traditional gender roles in order to show the specific religious realm in which Antigone has power and Creon does not. Creon is in control of his realm, and Antigone is in control of hers.
Even despite her lack of political power, Antigone’s ferocity of will proves more effective than that of the king himself. Indeed, Antigone effects change and causes Polynices to be buried. She rises up in the hearts and minds of Thebes as a pious heroine. Creon, on the other hand, does not issue any effective orders, at least in the ways he intends. Among Creon’s character traits is also a recurring misogyny, a hatred for women that even an ancient Greek audience would find peculiar. He consistently blames those he opposes for being womanlike and asserts that women are forces of anarchy (line 751). He is categorically unwilling to yield to a woman’s will, as to do so would be, in his mind, emasculating. The irony of this sentiment, within Sophocles’s construction, is that the audience knows that Creon is the one who is being anarchistic and irrational—the very things he believes make women hateful—and that yielding to the will of women is precisely what he will eventually do.
As such, even as Sophocles shows women within gender roles that are honest to his time and context, the women of Antigone are not powerless and do not restrict themselves to traditional roles. Instead, Antigone embraces her power as divinely ordained, and she uses it skillfully and effectively. In the end, Antigone sees Polynices buried, and the only hand that causes her death is her own.
Expert Q&A
What does Ismene mean in Antigone when she says, "We are only women, we can't fight with men"?
Ismene's statement reflects a traditional view of women's roles in society, expressing her belief that women lack the power to challenge male authority. She argues that they are not in a position to defy laws established by men, such as Creon's decree against burying their brother. By stating "We are only women," Ismene tries to dissuade Antigone from her rebellious plans, emphasizing the societal constraints on women and contrasting Antigone's willingness to defy unjust laws.
What quotes from Antigone represent the theme of women's role in society?
Quotes from Antigone that represent the theme of women's role in society include Creon's assertion, "While I live, no woman shall rule me," highlighting his belief in male dominance. Additionally, Ismene's statement, "we were born women, proving we should not fight with men," exemplifies the traditional view that women are subordinate. Contrarily, Antigone's defiance illustrates her belief in higher laws and personal conviction over gender roles.
Who was the target audience for Sophocles' Antigone and why are women portrayed as they are?
The target audience for Sophocles' Antigone was primarily free male citizens of Athens. Women are portrayed in contrasting ways to challenge traditional gender roles. Antigone, though powerless as an unmarried woman, defies Creon’s authority, symbolizing moral courage and the limits of power. In contrast, Ismene's submission highlights societal expectations but also suggests moral cowardice, emphasizing the play’s themes on authority and obedience.
What does the play Antigone suggest about a woman's place in society, based on Creon's statement to Haimon?
Creon says to his son Haimon that it would be bad enough to yield to a man, but he would never yield to a woman.
The play suggests that women in society are expected to be obedient and submissive, as evidenced by Creon's refusal to yield to a woman. Antigone challenges these expectations, highlighting the conflict between human laws and divine justice. Creon's disdain for women and his underestimation of their strength are evident in his interactions with Antigone and Haimon. Antigone's defiance ultimately leads to tragedy, underscoring her moral courage and the flaws in Creon's patriarchal authority.
What contrasts between Antigone and Ismene are evident in Sophocles' Antigone prologue?
In the prologue of Sophocles' Antigone, the main contrasts between Antigone and Ismene are their views on divine versus human law and their roles as women. Antigone prioritizes divine law, feeling compelled to bury her brother Polyneices despite Creon's decree, while Ismene fears the consequences of defying human authority and believes they should not challenge men's rule. Antigone's defiance contrasts sharply with Ismene's caution and submission to societal norms.
In Episode Four of Antigone, does the Fourth Choral ode condemn Antigone's pride or praise her courage?
In Episode Four, the Fourth Choral ode in "Antigone" both condemns Antigone's pride and praises her courage. The chorus criticizes her for her defiant and rash actions, paralleling her stubbornness with that of her father, Oedipus. They suggest she has overstepped by defying Creon's law. However, they also acknowledge her bravery and the fame her chosen death will bring, highlighting her courage in accepting her fate and challenging authority.
Does Sophocles portray women as strong or inferior in Antigone, based on the actions of Antigone and Ismene?
Sophocles portrays women in "Antigone" as having both strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the merits of both Antigone's defiance and Ismene's caution. The play critiques male authority, particularly through Creon's dictatorial nature, which is consistently challenged by other characters. While Antigone's stubbornness is criticized, it is not deemed entirely wrong, nor is Ismene's submissiveness. Thus, Sophocles comments more on the dangers of male stubbornness than on female inferiority or strength.
Which lines from Antigone show how far men will go to diminish women's roles?
In Antigone, Creon exemplifies how men diminish women's roles. He demeans Antigone, asserting that if she defies him, he becomes "woman, she the man," highlighting his fear of losing male dominance. He tells Haemon not to let women "fool" him, equating women with chaos. Ismene, Antigone's foil, embodies societal obedience, contrasting Antigone's defiance. Creon's disregard for women ultimately leads to tragedy, as his wife, Eurydice, kills herself after learning of their son's death.
The portrayal of women and feminism in Sophocles's Antigone
The portrayal of women and feminism in Sophocles's Antigone is complex, highlighting women's strength and defiance against patriarchal norms. Antigone herself embodies feminist ideals by challenging male authority and asserting her moral convictions. The play examines the tension between traditional gender roles and individual agency, ultimately showcasing the courage and resilience of women in the face of societal constraints.
What literary devices can be found in this extract from Antigone that relate to the attempt to diminish women's roles in society?
Antigone: Brother by the same mother and father. Creon: So how can you grant an honour that is so disrespectful to him?Antigone: The dead man will not bear out that view. Creon: He will, if you give him and the traitor equal honour. Antigone: No; it was his brother, not some slave, who died. Creon: Trying to overthrow our country! The other stood in its defence! Antigone: Nevertheless, Hades desires these rites.
In the extract from Sophocles's Antigone, literary devices such as juxtaposition, hyperbole, and symbolism highlight the diminishing of women's roles. Juxtaposition contrasts "brother" and "slave" to emphasize familial importance. Hyperbole is evident in Antigone's charged language and Creon's exclamations, heightening the drama. Symbolism appears in Antigone's defiance, representing femininity's power against masculine authority. Creon uses rhetorical questions and references to patriarchy to undermine Antigone, illustrating societal attempts to silence women.
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.
