"Antigone"

Paper Summary:

Classical Greek literature succeeds in capturing the imagination primarily because the works contain universally valid and insightful interpretations of the human personality. The paper shows that the construct of the human persona allows for both strength and weakness, vice and virtue to coexist simultaneously. Indeed, such a construct can be seen in Sophocles's characterization of Antigone as a woman who has within her the traits of courage and cowardice, the masculine and feminine and the capacity to both honor and dishonor love. The paper shows that, in fact, it is precisely the presence of such kaleidoscopical traits in Antigone's character that ultimately causes a tragedy of virtually epic proportions.

Paper Outline:
Introduction
Antigone: A Paradoxical Display of Courage and Cowardice
The Masculine and Feminine Principle in Antigone's Persona
Love Honored and Dishonored
Antigone: A Tragedy that is Based on Aristotle's Formula
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"True, Antigone's rejection of Ismene can be initially justified on the grounds that Antigone sees her as weak and disloyal. Indeed, Antigone makes her opinion of Ismene clearly felt when she says, "Then weakness will be your plea. I am different. I love my brother." (99-100) However, even when Ismene subsequently wishes to share in Antigone's punishment, she continues to heap scorn on a hapless Ismene with harsh words such as "You chose to live. I chose to die." (683) Antigone's behavior here can be termed as contradictory because while Antigone is willing to forgive Polyneices's misdemeanors and honor him, she is clearly unwilling to forgive Ismene."

More papers on "Antigone":

• Comparison Essay # 36631 : "Antigone" and "Another Antigone"
• Analytical Essay # 125780 : "Oedipus and Antigone"
• Essay # 73258 : "Antigone Symbolism"
• Essay # 6401 : "The Tragic Hero of Antigone"

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