We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

The Strengths and weaknesses of Antigone In “Antigone” by Sophocles

essay
The whole doc is available only for registered users

A limited time offer! Get a custom sample essay written according to your requirements urgent 3h delivery guaranteed

Order Now

Usually, in novels, the main character’s strength overshadows his weaknesses. In the Greek tragedy “Antigone”, however, the main character of the same name has as many strong points as weak ones. In the next paragraphs, I will point out Antigone’s strengths, weaknesses and, finally, the evolution of the character throughout the play.

It goes without saying that Antigone is an extremely strong woman for her time and even for ours. She does have evident strengths. Throughout the play, she stands her ground very well and has no change of heart or mind. She knows what she wants and does whatever she has to in order to get it. She wants to honor her brother with a proper burial and also please the Gods, which means she has her values set in order (Family and Religion) Even after her sisters warnings and Creon’s threats, she does not change her mind, which means that she’s not easily pressured. She knows the consequence of her acts yet still decides to go through with them, which makes her an incredibly courageous woman.

A person can’t be flawless, and Antigone is far from it. Even with all her strengths, she has many weaknesses. For one, she overlooks other people’s feelings. During the play, she causes the death of three people: herself, Haemon & Haemons mother. During the whole ordeal, she only thought about herself and her mission, disregarding other people’s feelings. She knew she was going to die for her actions and even said it to Ismene, but she failed to think of what was going to happen to her fiancĂ©, her sister and the family in general. In addition, her sisters’ refusal to help her did anger her, but what even made her angrier was the fact that she pleaded guilty when Creon accused her of helping Antigone. She did not want anybody else sharing the blame and, at the same time, the pride of doing what she did. In the end, she wanted her fifteen minutes of fame more than anything. In my opinion, she does it more out of duty to the Gods than for love of her brother.

Antigone’s character does not really evolve throughout the play. In the beginning, she knows that she wants to bury her brother no matter the cost. During the middle of the story, she clearly explains to Creon why she did it and brings up good arguments supporting her decision. She still shows no sign of regret. She only has one moment of doubt and it is during her conversation with the chorus, She is saddened by the idea that she will never have children, but still shows no sign of actual remorse. Towards the end, before being sent to the cave, she knew that she was going to die with honor and pride. The state law to her was absurd from her first line to her last.

Antigone, the main character of the play, has as many strengths as weaknesses, just like any other human being. Many people can see her action as heroic. Others might see it as a ridiculous act going against the state and the king. Either way, there is no denying the fact that she was an extremely devoted woman who people, in ancient Greece, looked up to before and after her difficult death.

Related Topics

We can write a custom essay

According to Your Specific Requirements

Order an essay
icon
300+
Materials Daily
icon
100,000+ Subjects
2000+ Topics
icon
Free Plagiarism
Checker
icon
All Materials
are Cataloged Well

Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email.

By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.
Sorry, but only registered users have full access

How about getting this access
immediately?

Your Answer Is Very Helpful For Us
Thank You A Lot!

logo

Emma Taylor

online

Hi there!
Would you like to get such a paper?
How about getting a customized one?

Can't find What you were Looking for?

Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base

The next update will be in:
14 : 59 : 59