Antigone’s Tragic Flaw by Jessie Street (mixed media) $90

“Antigone’s Tragic Flaw” – The tragedy, written by Sophocles in the 5th century BCE, explores the tension between personal morality and the laws of the state, the nature of justice, the role of fate in human life, and the danger of excessive pride. This exploration produces a thought-provoking play that has been deliberated throughout the centuries. The central figure is Antigone, who displays an unwavering commitment to her familial duty and to the gods, even in the face of opposition from the state. Her character challenges the audience to consider the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of resistance from authority. Creon, on the other hand, blinded to the higher rulings of the gods, exhibits a resolute adherence to the law, maintaining order and stability for the peace of his state. The complicated relationship between personal conscience and law, tackled within the play, has enshrined Antigone as one of the most famous Greek tragedies.Antigone opens with the protagonist, Antigone, informing her sister, Ismene, of her plan to bury their brother, despite Creon’s decree that he is to remain unburied. Both of their brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, died in battle, but Creon had issued a decree that only Eteocles would receive a proper burial while Polyneices would be left unburied as a traitor to Thebes. Ismene refuses to help, citing the punishment they would face if caught. However, Antigone remains resolute in her determination to carry out her duty. She views it as her sacred obligation to the gods to bury her brother and is willing to bear the repercussions of her actions. Antigone declares to Ismene that she cannot allow the law of a mere mortal to prevent her from fulfilling her duty to honor her brother and placate the gods.

Her actions represent a commitment to her religious and moral code, and her willingness to defy Creon’s edict highlights the power and importance of individual conscience. The play raises questions about the nature of law and whether it should be obeyed blindly, or if there are higher moral principles that should guide one’s actions. Antigone’s resistance to authority and willingness to face death in defense of her beliefs has made her a symbol of civil disobedience.

Source: TheCollector.com