Antigone

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not only to her family but also to the gods in Greek culture. Seeking the help of her sister Antigone speaks with Ismene when she warns her by saying “Remember we are women, we’re not born to contend with men. Then too, we’re underlings, ruled by much stronger hands, so we must submit in this, and things still worse” (74-77). This argument stated by Ismene shows her extreme fear and subordination to man. This fear and inferiority to men was embedded in her from the many laws that society placed restricting woman. Antigone however showed great power for what she believed in and justified her actions against Creon’s authority by testifying “I say that this crime is holy.” What Antigone means by calling this a “holy crime” is that she is going to break man’s laws to abide by God’s laws. Antigone’s actions and words clearly state and establish that it is her holy and sacred duty to follow the law’s that the God’s have put before her even it makes her commit a crime against her society.

Having accepted the consequence for disregarding the authority of King Creon by committing this “holy crime,” Antigone says “I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me.” By showing the willingness to sacrifice her own life, it makes one think what kind of relationship exactly did Antigone have with Polynices? Antigone shows great love to her brother Polynices and this statement shows the profound relationship that she shared with him not only because they share the same blood but also the faithfulness that they must have shown each other prior to his death.

The certainty of death and the rise of influential women are two central themes in this play that have helped shape modern day society. Although Antigone knew the consequences for her actions, she did what she did for the future of women and their rights in Greek society. The sand from within will continue to fall with certainty however it is the way you use that time is what makes the difference. “But I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy; I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me”