Antigone Themes Flashcards

Study Notes

Fate and Free Will

Central theme emphasizes the conflict between individual choices and destiny's control.
Antigone's defiance of Creon's rule highlights the significance of personal agency amid fate-driven events.

Rules and Order

Antigone presents a dichotomy between divine law and human law.
Religious obligations and traditions hold supreme importance, often superseding man-made laws in character decisions.

Determination

Characters exhibit a strong resolve, reflecting a common trait throughout the story.
Individuals, including Creon and Antigone, pursue their convictions doggedly, demonstrating the struggle between resolve and fate.

Power

Power dynamics reveal a corrupting influence, particularly in Creon’s character.
Creon's arrogance and lack of insight showcase how authority can lead to destructive decisions and disregard for others.

Women and Femininity

The play critiques societal expectations of gender roles, showcasing the limitations placed on women.
While Creon enforces traditional masculine authority, Antigone embodies defiance against these societal norms, challenging her prescribed role.

Mortality

Themes of self-harm and suicide are prevalent, underscoring the tragic consequences of the characters' choices.
The deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice, alongside the conflict-driven fates of Polyneices and Eteocles, highlight the play's exploration of mortality and despair.

Description

Explore the key themes of Sophocles' Antigone through these informative flashcards. This quiz delves into significant concepts such as fate versus free will and the contrasting laws of divine justice and man-made order. Perfect for anyone studying this classic tragedy.