An examination of Sophocles' use of mythology to enlighten matters of politics, religion and rituals. Included is an analysis of Sophocles' "Antigone".
From the Paper:
"Unlike his contemporaries, Sophocles based his tragedies on human actions and reactions, rather than on divine influence. He does not, however, ignore the gods or say they do not play a role. He uses them to show the human limits and possibilities. The Sophoclean gods thus are placed in the background of the plot, influencing it but not interfering in the course of action."