This is a belief expressed by not only the men in the story, but also the women. Submission included the acceptance of the fact that they are inadequate and uninformed. Women were seen as unfit members of a society. Essentially, her status does not detract from her main point it allows her to garner attention and use her “inferiority” successfully. In her story, Antigone takes advantage of the insignificance of women and their words in order to dramatize her argument. This allows her character to develop her main claim and show the argument’s prominence through the manipulation of the system that she demonstrates. Her issue is one of importance and universality, all members of her culture recognize the significance of family. ![]() Antigone is the wrench thrown in the political works. Kreon is her uncle and Polyneices is his family too, although Kreon constructs a hierarchical system that secures his power. ![]() It is precisely this personal disagreement that elevates her argument. Antigone’s righteous intentions fall in disagreement with the egotistical priorities of the men in her society, such as her uncle Kreon. The resonance that the behavior of Antigone bears upon her culture demonstrates the fragility of the system. Although, there is no overwhelming decision that surrounds Antigone’s central conflict: rules of order that seem to be in contradiction, such as power, family, fate, and obligation. Kreon’s death signifies the lessons he has learned and the agony that his immoral actions have caused both him and others. Additionally, there is no real resolution present in Antigone’s story. At times, tragedy is necessary to unveil the obvious. The story of Antigone demonstrates the paradoxical qualities of society. Antigone lives in a world with a broken system, yet we argue that it is precisely this flaw that allows her to adopt her voice. This message would not have resonated in a culture that embraced women. Antigone’s bold claims allow her to assume a prominent position while facing her own death. Antigone defies her king and uncle in defense of her brother, a rebel of the state, yet in Antigone’s view her brother deserves a proper burial. ![]() The patriarchal system of Antigone’s time reduced the image of women to timid creatures who are incapable of making decisions, and are therefore undeserving of a platform for communication. The understanding of women as inferior and undeserving of a voice is essential to the recognition of Antigone’s role in her society. Sophocles’ Antigone demonstrates this truth. The contextual power of culture and ingrained tradition supports multiple interpretations of morality. Accusations of the extreme are polluted by one’s surroundings. Although, the circumstances and consequences of actions broaden the picture and allow for condemnation or justification. Morality is often regarded as objective, completely black and white.
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