Sophocles: Antigone (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics)

Rating:
Summary: Ancient Greek family values
Review: "Antigone," the drama by Sophocles, has been published as part of the Dover Thrift Edition series. The Dover version is translated into English by George Young. An introductory note states that the play was first performed in the 440s BCE.

The introductory note also includes a brief summary of events leading up to the events of this play. "Antigone" concerns the family of Oedipus, former ruler of the city-state of Thebes. As "Antigone" opens, Thebes is ruled by Creon, the brother-in-law of Oedipus. Creon is at odds with his niece, Antigone, because he denies a proper burial to Antigone's brother Polynices. Antigone's intention to defy her uncle sets this tragedy in motion.

This is a powerful story about familial duty, social customs, gender roles, and the relationship between the individual and governmental authority. The issues in this play remain relevant today, and are powerfully argued by Sophocles' characters. At the heart of the play is this question: Is it right to disobey a law or edict that one feels is unjust?

But "Antigone" is not just a philosophical meditation; it's also the story of a very personal clash between two strong-willed members of a very troubled extended family. A bonus in the play is the appearance of the seer Tiresias: it is a small but potent role. Overall, this play is a solid example of why ancient Greek drama has stood the test of time.

Rating:
Summary: My thoughts of Antigone
Review: I was assigned to read one of the remaining seven plays of the writer Sophocles, Antigone. When I first began to read it, I did not find it enjoyable. It was originally written in Greek and then translated to English as well as Sir George Young was able to convert. The story was amazing but the words of the play made it difficult to understand. If you have a hard time keeping your mind focused while reading a book, then I would not recommend this play for your reading material. However, if you enjoy Greek plays and such, then you would take pleasure in Antigone.

As I said, I had a difficult time at the beginning enjoying what I was reading. It was not until I realized how strongly Antigone must have felt about her family that I looked up to her and wanted to continue reading to see what would happen. Although Creon had high power and was against Antigone's motives, she continued with what she felt was right. I also grew an unfavorable passion against Creon as the story went on. He seemed to only think of himself and want everyone to follow his rules. The world revolved around him. By the end of the play, I was disappointed and hoped there was a sequel. So although the play was difficult to comprehend at times I decided to give it a three star, because Sophocles was an amazing writer; and I'm sure many people would enjoy his work.

My thoughts on what Sophocles' main point was for writing Antigone has changed quite a few times. My first thought was that it was to teach the reader life lessons. An example of this is how you need to stick with your family through thick and thin and not be ashamed of them. To not change your beliefs or thoughts because of someone else but to do what you feel is right from the beginning. I have not changed my opinion on that completely, but after a class discussion, someone brought up a good point that I also think could be Sophocles' reason. Back when Sophocles wrote the play Antigone, women were not thought of highly. When it came to plays not many women had lead roles, if they were in the play at all. I think he was also trying to get the audiences attention by having something unusual be apart of his work.

Sophocles hit on a lot of situations that people struggle in, even though he may not have meant to. People in the world these days are ashamed of their families. Whether it is because of what they look like, or how they act, they don't take honor in their family. Antigone took such honor in her family that even though it was against the law, she gave respect back to her deceased brother. She faced the consequences, but not once did she say she was sorry for what she had done. Another thing that Sophocles made a point on was not thinking only of yourself. The character Creon was a self-centered person who wanted people to follow his way and no other. He even thought his laws and opinions higher than the gods.

I would recommend this play to anyone who does not have a hard time concentrating on what you read. Even if you do have a hard time keeping your mind from wandering, this is still a good story to read. It just may take you a little longer to understand it all.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: Sophocles' Antigone is a wonderful work - a dramatic and riveting play with a superb cast of characters. It is easy to understand, intersting, and fun to read. I highly recommend it.