That she is correct in her convictions but incorrect in how she carries them out is what the audience is supposed to think about Antigone in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone is correct in her defense of what is vulnerable and what matters most. She is right in protecting the rights of the Theban dead and in respecting the gods as the ultimate authority figure in life and death. But she strays into unacceptable territory with the way in which she articulates her convictions and in which she disrespects King Creon, to whom she owes respect as her guardian, sovereign and uncle.
Catharsis
Yes, the audience is supposed to agree with Antigone's actions in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone behaves with courage, integrity and sensitivity. She demonstrates courage in breaking an unjust law whose punishment is the death penalty. She exhibits integrity in refusing to share the blame with her sister, Princess Ismene. She manifests sensitivity in defending fragile Theban traditions and vulnerable family members.
It is Antigone that the audience is supposed to end up supporting in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Creon does not confer with elders, gods, oracles or prophets before issuing an unjust edict that contradicts divine will and undermines healing from a bloody civil war. His concern about his city's security is admirable. But the way that he goes about the process of municipal recovery leaves much to be desired. In contrast, Princess Antigone makes a courageous decision after examining the pros and cons with her sister Ismene.
If Antigone disobeys Creon's Law in "Antigone," Antigone is to be sentenced to death.
Antigone's supposed marriage with Hades is an example of an allusion in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the term allusion describes a reference of one concept to another that already is known to the audience. But it is not a vice versa situation. The description fits Antigone's procession to her death as her bridal procession. The death march is an allusion to Antigone's aborted bridal march, but the reverse cannot be true.
In "Antigone," the catharsis occurs primarily for the audience. The audience experiences a release of emotional tension and purging of emotions through witnessing the tragic events and consequences faced by the characters, particularly Antigone. The play is intended to evoke feelings of pity and fear, leading to a cathartic response.
By being pelted to death by stone-throwing Thebans is the way in which Antigone is supposed to die in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone breaks a royal edict that carries the death penalty. She knows about the law, its proscribed behavior and its punitive measures. Neither stops her, and at her trial she assumes responsibility for her acts and accepts the painful punishment.
A squirrel is the animal that Antigone may remind the audience of in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, squirrels are conscientious about burying nuts. They prefer below-ground burials, but also will hide their stash under a layer of leaf litter. This is reminiscent of what Theban Princess Antigone does. She wants to give her brother Polyneices a below-ground burial, but only has the strength to cover his body with a layer of dust.
That the chorus leader expresses amazement is what makes the audience feel that the chorus cares for Antigone when she is brought back with the guard in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the chorus leader can interact directly with other characters. He immediately inserts himself into Theban Princess Antigone's upcoming interaction with the guard and her uncle, King Creon. He offers an opportunity for Antigone to defend herself on the basis of the unexpectedness of her as the perpetrator.
A laugh track signals to the audience that something is supposed to be funny.
Great is supposed to be the love between Antigone and Haemon in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.). Specifically, Theban Princess Ismene claims that her sister Antigone and Prince Haemon share a great love. Antigone and her first cousin commit to marriage through a betrothal that is in effect before the play begins. Haemon speaks volumes about Antigone, who never mentions her betrothed.
Haemon is the person whom Antigone is supposed to marry in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone is engaged to marry her first cousin, Prince Haemon. Haemon is the only surviving child and heir of his parents, King Creon and Queen Eurydice. His father is Antigone's uncle.Haemon is the person that Antigone is supposed to marry. They're engaged, and in love. They're cousins, because Haemon's father is the brother of Antigone's now dead mother, Theban Queen Jocasta.But Haemon's father also is King of Thebes. As the royal ruler, Theban King Creon makes and enforces laws. One such law is non-burial of the disloyal Theban dead. It's a law that Antigone breaks, for her brother Polyneices. And Creon isn't a king to make exceptions. He calls for the death sentence even though Antigone is his niece and his future daughter-in-law. That ends any marriage plans for Antigone and Haemon.