That the protagonists are female and that they challenge earthly authority are reasons why "Antigone" and "Electra" are radical female plays by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, protagonists are main characters or heroes or both. What with the emphasis on great deeds, the role is more likely filled by males than females. In the case of the above-mentioned plays, females meet the heroic requirements of being the main characters, doing great deeds and influencing the course of all actions.
Antigone versus Creon is the female-male opposition in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone and King Creon do not get along. Creon criticizes Antigone for personal and professional reasons. He does not find her an acceptable bride-to-be for his son, an appreciative ward, a docile subject or rational royal. In turn, Antigone objects to Creon as a a domineering relative and harsh ruler.
Antigone is a girl (female).
That she is the main character is the reason why Antigone is the protagonist in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the protagonist is the main character around whom the play's action revolves. The protagonist is heroic in doing good deeds. This describes Antigone, who is both the main character and the principal female character. She does good deeds, because she respects her family, the gods and Theban traditions.
It is in his opinions that gender bias affects Creon in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, gender bias refers to prejudice against someone for being female or male. Theban King Creon disdains women. He describes them as all alike and completely replaceable in their one use for society.
Sophocles
Antigone versus Creon is the female-male opposition in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone and King Creon do not get along. Creon criticizes Antigone for personal and professional reasons. He does not find her an acceptable bride-to-be for his son, an appreciative ward, a docile subject or rational royal. In turn, Antigone objects to Creon as a a domineering relative and harsh ruler.
Antigone is a girl (female).
That she is the main character is the reason why Antigone is the protagonist in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the protagonist is the main character around whom the play's action revolves. The protagonist is heroic in doing good deeds. This describes Antigone, who is both the main character and the principal female character. She does good deeds, because she respects her family, the gods and Theban traditions.
To show that is Antigone is both the main female character and the protagonist and to foreshadow her suffering as the tragic hero are the purposes served by her appearance at the beginning of "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone's being the first character to be seen and to be heard in this case is symbolic of her role as the main character and as the tragic hero. That Ismene is second to be seen and to be heard is symbolic of her status as a supporting character. That the two discuss how they will respond, or not, to a challenge foreshadows the heroic Antigone's tragic fate.
That she is foolish, replaceable and worthy of her punishment is what Creon has to say about Antigone in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Creon finds a lot to dislike in his niece, Princess Antigone. He sees her as having a lifelong track record for foolishness and uncontrolled emotional outbursts. He views her as completely replaceable by a female more deserving of the affections of Prince Haemon, Antigone's betrothed and Creon's only surviving child. He wishes her the worst and considers her death sentence a fitting way for her to end her life.
It is in his opinions that gender bias affects Creon in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, gender bias refers to prejudice against someone for being female or male. Theban King Creon disdains women. He describes them as all alike and completely replaceable in their one use for society.
Sophocles
Sophocles
Reminders of parental suffering and societal roles are what Ismene gives as she urges Antigone not to disobey Creon's law in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Ismene brings up the shameful consequences of their father's crimes and of their parents' immorality. She characterizes females as obedient and males as decisive. She concludes that traditional female and male roles are being jeopardized by Antigone taking the law into her own hands.
Caution when dealing with power is the message of "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone shows caution in respecting divine power but a complete lack regarding royal power. She actually needs to show respect for both since the gods demand courtesy and obedience to them and to their earthly relatives, the royals. Just as she disrespects King Creon, her uncle and intended father-in-law, so does Creon disrespect Antigone and the gods. In ancient Greece, it is not serious to disdain a female even if she is royal, but it is a serious offense to disdain the gods.
Because she has a different opinion and because she is young, female and related to Oedipus, Creon is hard-hearted towards Antigone in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Creon thinks that as monarch he has the monopoly over making decisions and carrying out policy. He accepts no opinions, input or influence from others. In particular, he disparages the opinions of the young and inexperienced and of women. Additionally, he considers Antigone, his niece and intended daughter-in-law, a younger, feminine version of his brother-in-law and former royal colleague, the impetuous, incestuous Theban King Oedipus.
Nothing happens to Theban Prince Haemon in the play "Oedipus Rex" by ancient Greek playwright Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Haemon's father, Theban King Creon, is among the cast of characters in "Oedipus Rex." But there is no appearance by or reference to Haemon. Creon's son makes his appearance as the first cousin and groom-to-be of the main female character in the play "Antigone" also by Sophocles.