themes in sophocles’ play antigone. there are five major themes present in sophocles’ tragic...
DESCRIPTION
2. Anarchy versus Citizenry The emphasis is on the individual person The emphasis is on the collective group What should have more value, yourself or others?TRANSCRIPT
Themes in Sophocles’ play
Antigone
There are five major themes present in Sophocles’ tragic play Antigone
1. Man’s Law versus God’s Law
OR
Which law is more important to obey?
2. Anarchy versus Citizenry
The emphasis is
on the individual
person
The emphasis is
on the collective
group
What should have more value, yourself or others?
3. Gender: The Position of Women in Society
Are women truly equal in today’s society? What stereotypes still exist, if
any?
4. The Threat of Tyranny/The Right to RuleTyranny is defined as one person
having absolute power that uses that power unjustly or unfairly.
Is King Creon a tyrant? Or is he just protecting the collective interest of the Theban citizens?
Do you think we should worry about the threat of tyranny in today’s society?
5. The dangers of excessive hubris
(Pride)
Would Antigone benefit from humility? What about Creon? What about some of the people you know? What about yourself?
As we continue to read Sophocles’ play, keep these universal themes in mind.
In Scene Two, especially, these difficult questions are raised numerous times.