The French "Antigone"

Paper Summary:

"Antigone," by Jean Anouilh, is a retelling of the Greek play of the same name. Anouilh's version was a thinly disguised criticism of the Vichy government of his native France and was banned by the Nazis. The paper provides an analysis of the play and shows how the audience of that time could well relate to themes of fate, courage, and the defense of values.

From the Paper:

"French audiences who had just been liberated from Nazi/Vichy rule must have welcomed such a play. Antigone is presented as a truly tragic heroine, someone who could not compromise her values under any circumstances. This would have emphasized the opinion of many regarding the Vichy regime, which was made up of French leaders who decided to attempt to placate the Nazis. There is no doubt that when Antigone stood alone against the king's power, she sealed her fate. Creon could not have felt secure on the throne, given that the previous king and the two rightful heirs had all just died in what amounted to civil war."

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