Essay Example: Theme Of Sexism In Antigone

đź“ŚCategory: Greek mythology, Literature
đź“ŚWords: 480
đź“ŚPages: 2
đź“ŚPublished: 18 February 2022

Standing up for what one believes in is important and adds to your character. Women around the world are affected by sexism that silences their voices. So when Antigone stands up for what she believes, she shows the audience that standing up to authority is worth it for what you have faith in. Antigone goes against Kreon's decree and, in broad daylight, buries her brother. At this period in time, since she is a woman, these actions are viewed as despicable and horrid. Antigone is strong and does not back down on her claims, even though Kreon bashes her gender and her actions. While her decisions lead to several deaths, Antigone stands up for what is important to her and shows the audience the importance of questioning authority, even when not having the upper hand. Change cannot happen unless people are willing to sacrifice for their ideals. This is possible because Antigone is not afraid to go against authority and she chooses a hard path even when discouraged.

Antigone is a strong, willed woman, so when Kreon does not give her brother a proper burial she questions her authority by making quick decisions. She decides to bury him even if she dies claiming “that death will be a glory”(Sophocles). Antigone only cares about what happens to the brother and not the consequences she might face. Antigone faces off with Kreon when caught in the act. She has a lot to say and does not feel intimidated by Kreon. She feels that “all men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong''(Sophocles) and compromises what he has done. Kreon does the opposite of this by being stubborn and saying she did not know anything because she is a woman. Kreon tries to discourage Antigone and her actions by telling her to die and love the dead because “No woman shall be the master while [he] [lives]”(Sophocles). This demonstrates how hard it must have been for Antigone to go against Kreon knowing that he would just jab at her and make cruel comments because she is a woman.

Antigone always chooses the hard path in life, so when she is set on burying her brother, Ismene thinks it is a terrible idea. Ismene tries to explain to Antigone that she shouldn't bury her brother and reminds her “that [they] are women, so not to fight with men”(Sophocles)and that the consequences they will face will be harsh. Antigone, unlike Ismene, is confident enough to go through with the plan. She feels like the world is plotting against her every move, but she pushes through and goes against the laws placed to stop her. Kreon’s laws are strict and powerful, showing that “he is coming to proclaim it clear to those who [do not] know”(Sophocles) his power. Kreon uses his level of force to try to stop Antigone in her streak of confidence. When told of the burial, Kreon thinks a “man had dared to do it”(Sophocles) putting another stopper in Antigone's path of being heard. Throughout Antigone’s journey, she showed determination even when it was hard.

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