The Tragedy of Antigone
The role of fate seems to have a heavy hand in many Greek tragedies. Often at times it can be difficult to determine whether the protagonist is steering their own course or being pulled along by an unseen current. From the beginning of this play, however, it is clear that Antigone is steering herself towards her own death.
In all of our lives we are faced with choices; who we are and what we believe always serves to direct us down a particular path. Antigones family had clearly gone through much misfortune, but as her own life was giving way to a more prosperous future, Antigone chose a very dangerous path. Antigone is angered by the treatment of her brothers body and seeks help to bury Polynieces from her sister Ismene. Antigone asks of Ismene Wilt though aid this hand to lift the dead? Antigone has set her course. As Ismene asks of her Thou wouldst bury him,- when tis forbidden to Thebes? Antigone replies I will do my part, and thine if thou wilt not, - to a brother, false him will I never be found. At possessing the knowledge that the king will not tolerate a burial, Antigone is none the less determined to undertake the task regardless of the consequence. Antigone is not content to leave this detail to fate.
Not only does Antigone know there are consequences to burying her brother, but she knows the consequences are death and still this does not deter her it makes her stronger. Antigone not only knows that she will die, but she wants everyone to know, even though her sister has begged of her not to let anyone know. Antigone says I will not urge thee, but I will bury him; well for me to die doing that. I shall rest a loved one, with him, whom I have loved, sinless in my crime. Ismene replies Alas, unhappy one! How I fear for thee! Antigone whom already is set to do what she feels she is destined to do says Fear not for me; guide thine own fate aright. When Ismene tells her to tell no one At least, then, disclose this plan to none, but hide it closely, - and so too, will I. Antigone replies Oh denounce it! Thou wilt be more hateful for thy silence, if thou not proclaim these things to all. Fate alone does not only direct someones life, but sometimes as in this situation you make your own fate.
Antigone feels her fate after she is caught burying her brother for the second time and when Creon asks her Thou-Thou whose face is bent to earth-dost thou avows, or disavow these deed? Antigone replies I avow it, I make no denial. Antigone did not deny that she buried her brother, it was her and she knew what her fate would be. Die I must, - I knew that well (how should I not?)-even without thy edicts. Antigone is placed in her cell to await her death, but when the kings son goes to rescue Antigone from her cell he discover that she has already killed herself.We describe her hanging from a thread of linen. Antigone did not wait to see what could be and where fate would take her life, she obviously had her own plan in place to seek her own fate.
In the time during which Antigone was written people felt more strongly about how the hand of fate pressed against their lives. It was a time of many unknowns and feeling as though your life was a guided ship and was far more comforting than being a raft drifting and at the mercy of the waves. One could argue that Antigones decisions were not really her own, but necessary steps to fulfill her predetermined death. It can be seen, however, that for all her missteps fate seems too had found a way to set the course of Antigones life. However, as she had turned her back on what future was possible she again took her life as she slid the linen over her head and ended her life.
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