Ancient Greek Feminism In Antigone, By Sophocles - 790 Words

Ancient Greek Feminism Antigone has been used as a symbol and idol of the feminist movement, and for good reason: both the play and the character Antigone showcase strong feminist themes and characteristics, despite being created more than two thousand years before feminism became mainstream. The play /Antigone/ by Sophocles serves as a commentary on female power and how men see that power as a threat to their own. The character Antigone displays many feminist characteristics, such as inner strength and self confidence. These concepts and themes (-- removed HTML --) Most of the conflict in the play comes from Creon feeling like his power over the kingdom is being threatened by Antigone even though all she does is stand up for herself†¦show more content†¦Ismene never tells Antigone that she’s changed her mind about the burial, but whether or not she agrees, she still stands against patriarchal authority in defense of her sister. Antigone suggests that sisterhood is a strong defense against and a way to combat patriarchy. Antigone refuses to be cowed by either her sister or her uncle; she does what she believes is right regardless of what other people think. â€Å" She was not afraid,/ Not even when we charged her with what she had done. She denied nothing.† (342-4). Antigone’s refusal to stand by and watch while something that goes against her beliefs is happening is one of the strongest representations of feminist ideals in her character. Interestingly, Antigone is compared, both mistakenly and purposefully, to men for standing up for herself and her beliefs. When Creon first hears about Polyneices’ burial, he doesn’t even consider that the person who buried him could be a woman, telling the sentry to â€Å"bring [him] the man,† (273). In Ancient Greek society, women are so demure and submissive that they are never suspected of any crime. When Antigone stands in the way of this idea, Creon says, â€Å"Who is the man here,/ She or I, if this crime goes unpunished?† (382-3). Even though he knows that a woman was the one who buriedShow MoreRelatedHow Modern Versions Of Medea ( Euripides ) And Antigone ( Sophocles )1246 Words   |  5 PagesAncient Greek theatre is famed for hosting many playwrights that have stood the test of time, nevertheless concepts and ideologies present in traditional Greek theatre have become outdated. Strict gender roles were ever-present in society and a person was judged in relation to his or her compliance with these standards. Ancient Greek theatre hosts many misogynistic examples of the conformity to the gender roles of the time as well as the consequences of rebelling against the gender protocol. WomenRead MoreAntigone and Girl Power1064 Words   |  5 Pages Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of social, political, and economic equality to men. 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