Antigone In Plain And Simple English: A Comprehensive Guide

Antigone is a play by Sophocles that tells the story of a young woman who defies the law to bury her brother. The play is a tragedy, and it explores the themes of justice, loyalty, and family.

The Story of Antigone

Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes. After Oedipus's death, his two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, fought for the throne. Eteocles was victorious, but he was killed in battle by Polyneices. Creon, the new king of Thebes, ordered that Eteocles be buried with honors, but that Polyneices be left unburied as a traitor. Antigone, who loved her brother Polyneices, defied Creon's order and buried him. She was caught and arrested, and Creon sentenced her to death.

Antigone In Plain and Simple English

by Sophocles

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	349 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	76 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Antigone's death is a tragedy. She is a young woman who is willing to die for what she believes in. She is a symbol of courage and defiance, and her story has inspired people for centuries.

The Characters of Antigone

• Antigone: The title character of the play, Antigone is a young woman who is willing to die for what she believes in. She is a symbol of courage and defiance.
• Ismene: Antigone's sister, Ismene is a more cautious character. She tries to convince Antigone not to defy Creon's order, but Antigone refuses to listen.
• Creon: The new king of Thebes, Creon is a harsh and unforgiving ruler. He orders that Polyneices be left unburied as a traitor, and he sentences Antigone to death for defying his order.
• Haemon: Creon's son, Haemon is in love with Antigone. He tries to convince his father to spare her life, but Creon refuses to listen.
• Tiresias: A blind prophet, Tiresias warns Creon that he will suffer if he does not bury Polyneices. Creon ignores Tiresias's warning, and he ultimately pays the price.

The Themes of Antigone

Antigone explores a number of important themes, including:

• Justice: The play raises questions about what is just and what is unjust. Creon believes that he is justified in leaving Polyneices unburied because he was a traitor. Antigone, on the other hand, believes that she is justified in burying her brother because it is the right thing to do.
• Loyalty: The play also explores the theme of loyalty. Antigone is loyal to her family, even though it means defying the law. Creon is loyal to the state, even though it means sacrificing his own son.
• Family: The play shows the importance of family. Antigone is willing to die for her brother, and Creon is willing to sacrifice his own son to protect the state. The play shows that family is one of the most important things in life.

The Impact of Antigone

Antigone has been one of the most popular and influential plays in Western literature for centuries. The play has been translated into many languages, and it has been performed countless times. Antigone has inspired many other works of art, including plays, operas, and novels.

Antigone is a powerful and moving play that explores important themes such as justice, loyalty, and family. The play is a reminder that we must always stand up for what we believe in, even when it is difficult.

Additional Resources

• SparkNotes: Antigone
• LitCharts: Antigone
• Folger Shakespeare Library: Antigone

Antigone In Plain and Simple English

by Sophocles

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	349 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	76 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE