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Antigone
The play 'Antigone' is at least 2,440 years old. Still timely nevertheless are its main concerns over what to do about a bad law and how far to go for the sake of love or justice. Contributors typically ask and answer questions about the play's author, characters, imagery, literary devices, plot, and relationship to other plays of the same themes or time period.
3,361 Questions
What does Oedipus do that makes him an immoral character in 'Oedipus Rex'?
That he marries his mother and has children by her are the immoral acts of Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. -- 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, immorality refers to living life in such a way as to offend society. It runs counter to what is considered acceptable and decent in polite company. Oedipus therefore is immoral in becoming involved with his own mother and having children with her and criminal in killing his father.
What started the conflicts in Antigone's family?
The inability of her brothers Eteocles and Polyneices to get along started the immediate conflicts in Antigone's family. Their mother, Theban Queen Jocasta, killed herself rather than continue life as the wife of her own son. Their father, Theban King Oedipus, blinded himself rather than see the evidence and consequences of his albeit unknowing murderous and incestuous act. The throne of Thebes thereby passed to the King's and Queen's twin sons. Eteocles and Polyneices were supposed to rule jointly by each one ruling every other year. But Eteocles refused to give up the throne when his year ended. He banished Polyneices, who promptly launched an invasion with the help of the Argive enemy. Both brothers ended up killing each other on the battlefield. They were succeeded by their uncle, Theban King Creon, who decided to have Eteocles and loyal Thebans buried and to leave Polyneices and disloyal Thebans above ground and exposed to the weather, the dogs, and the birds. That decision began the conflict over what to do about Polyneices and an unpopular law.
Is a theme of 'Antigone' the conflict between the man made laws and the divine laws?
Yes, one of the themes in 'Antigone' is the conflict between man made and divine laws. Antigone represents respect for god given traditions, rituals and rites. For example, the people of her city are guaranteed proper burial rites and rituals, because of being Thebans and because of the power and wisdom of the gods. In contrast, Antigone's uncle, Theban King Creon, represents a godless rule of mortals. For example, Creon doesn't believe that god given traditions, rituals and rites need to be carved any longer in stone. They can be changed or disregarded, at will. And that precisely is where the conflict begins, with Antigone refusing to discard what always has been there and with Creon thinking that he can be the one to make unprecedented changes.
How is classicism reflected in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Classicism is an adherence to traditional forms of literature. Sophocles [496 B.C.E.-406 B.C.E.] indeed tends to respect the general action, purpose and structure of the Greek tragedy. For example, the action tends to be set in and around an imposing building such as a palace. The play's purpose is enlightenment and entertainment. Its structure begins with a prologue, ends with an exodus, and alternates choral odes and episodes in between.
All of the preceding describe Sophocles' play. But at the same time that he respects the form, he actually shows disrespect in one regard. His prologue isn't the briefest of introductions. In fact, it seems more like an episode in the delayed appearance of the chorus and in the lengthy interactions among a surprisingly, overwhelmingly large number of characters all on the stage at the same time.
Who is the Cadmus that Oedipus identifies as the line from whom generations of Thebans are living?
The founder and first king of Thebes is the Cadmus that Theban King Oedipus identifies as the line from whom generations of Thebans are living. Cadmus is the princely son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa in Tyre, Phoenicia.
On his father's side, Cadmus is the grandson of Poseidon the sea god and Libya. He's the great grandson of Cronus and Rhea. He's the great great grandson of the world's first couple, son Saturn and mother Gaia.
On his mother's side, Cadmus is the grandson of the siblings Inarchus and Nilus. He's the great grandson of Oceanus and Tethys. His great grandparents on his mother's side are the siblings of his great grandparents on his father's side. So he's the great great grandson of the world's first couple, by way of both parents.
Additionally, Cadmus is the husband of Queen Harmonia. Their marriage is considered the world's first wedding celebration. The couple are the parents of subsequent Theban King Polydorus, from whom Oedipus is the direct descendant. They also are the parents of Princess Agave, from whom the siblings Theban King Creon and Theban Queen Jocasta are the direct descendants.
Finally, Cadmus is the direct ancestor of the royal rulers of Sparta. It's through the line of descent from Polydorus to Oedipus that this happens. Specifically, it's Oedipus' son Polyneices whose great great great grandchildren Eurysthenes and Procles are the ancestors of different royal dynasties within Sparta.
What does the Sentry find strange about the semi-burial of Polyneices' body?
The fact of the illegality of any form of burial to the disloyal Theban dead is what the Sentry finds strange about the semi burial of Polyneices' body. Also the fact of the clueless identity of the perpetrator is something else that the Sentry finds strange. He can't imagine why anyone would dare to disobey Theban King Creon's law, particularly in the light of the death sentence that violation carries.
What blind prophet does Oedipus force to tell the truth about King Laius' murder?
Teiresias is the blind prophet whom Theban King Oedipus forces to tell the truth about Theban King Laius' murder. Teiresias is reluctant to share what he knows. In fact, the truth may end up getting him charged with treason. That serious charge and undoubtedly the knowledge of Oedipus' quick temper keep the blind seer from saying what he knows to be true. It's only after considerable bullying, insulting and threatening from Oedipus that Teiresias relents. His hesitation is due to his knowledge of Oedipus as a father killer, a king killer, and an incestuous sex offender.
Antigone and Ismene are Theban King Oedipus' daughters. Antigone appears to be the elder. She's engaged to her cousin, Haemon. Ismene appears to be younger, and seems to have no love interest.
Which son in 'Oedipus Rex' killed his own son?
No son in 'Oedipus Rex' turned around and killed his own son. But Theban King Laius, cursed son of cursed Theban King Labadacus, thought that he had killed his own son, subsequent Theban King Oedipus. It was foretold that Laius would be killed by his own son. So Laius wanted his wife, Theban Queen Jocasta, to kill their newborn son Oedipus. She couldn't stoop to such dastardly depths, even to protect her husband's future. So Oedipus ended up being left exposed on a hill, to die in the natural order of things by the workings of the weather, the dogs, and the birds. But he survived due to the compassion of two shepherds and the love of adoptive/foster parents King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth.
Antigone is tragic, because she loses her life for doing what she sees as the correct thing to do. She finds herself in the unenviable position of leaving her brother Polyneices' body to be desecrated by the elements and scavengers, or of carrying out proper funerary procedures for him. She ends up in this predicament because her uncle, Theban King Creon, issues a decree that directly contradicts the god-given justice, morality, rites, rituals and traditions by which Thebans lead their lives. For he decides that only the loyal Theban dead from the recent battle with the Argive invaders are to be buried. Disloyal Theban dead, such as Polyneices, are to be left above ground. As punishment for her disobedience, Antigone is walled up in a remote cave. She therefore is deprived of the joys of marriage and motherhood. For she's engaged to her first cousin Haemon, who is the King's only surviving child.
What does Teiresias do first when Oedipus asks for help?
The first reaction of Teiresias the blind prophet is not to want to help Theban King Oedipus. Oedipus asks Teiresias for the help that gods and mortals aren't giving him to identify the murderer of previous Theban King Laius. Teiresias indicates that he knows of the long unsolved crime, but doesn't want to give any information. He ends up identifying Oedipus as the very murderer only after being threatened, insulted, and accused as the murder's planner, by the King.
Does 'Oedipus Rex' mirror our society?
Yes, 'Oedipus Rex' mirrors challenges and problems within our modern societies. Due to armed conflict and socioeconomic poverty, children are abandoned and abused. They may be left on their own at such an early age that they have no knowledge of their identities. Because of the lack of an accurate paper trail, they well may end up unknowingly killing a close relative in self defense, marrying another, and ruining yet another economically.
What character traits of Sophocles are seen in 'Oedipus Rex'?
The foremost character traits that Sophocles [496 B.C.E.* - 406 B.C.E.] shows in 'Oedipus Rex' are his competitiveness and his perfectionism. During his lifetime, he participated in 30 literary competitions. He was competitive, and placed first in 24 competitions. In each of the remaining six, he placed a close second.
Plays about Thebes and Troy tended to sit well with theater going audiences in ancient Greece. Specifically, Aeschylus [c. 525/524 B.C.E. - 456/455 B.C.E.] had received strong career boosts through his Theban themed plays on the Oedipus myth. So Sophocles knew a winning story when he saw it.
And Sophocles played to win. He was the son of Sophillus, a highly successful armor manufacturer. So Sophocles was used to competition, and to expecting and having the best and the most expensive of things.
Because of that competitiveness, Sophocles was a perfectionist. He had the best education and training that all of his family's substantial wealth could provide. So he had the means to do his best, and he did so. As with the competitiveness, perhaps the perfectionism never was seen more clearly than in his writing. In fact, 'Oedipus Rex' is considered a literary classic as the perfect example of a tragedy and as the perfect use of dramatic irony.
Most of the play lacks any mention of what Antigone wore. But there's a passing reference to her clothes when Haemon finds her lifeless body. Antigone uses a halter from her clothing to hang herself. And the text mentions that she is dressed in linen.
What are the main events of Oedipus' life before the play begins?
The play 'Oedipus Rex' begins with Theban King Oedipus coming outside his palace to speak with a priest and congregated Thebans. Oedipus' people are concerned about the unabated losses and suffering from a stubborn plague that reduces their numbers, their livestock, and their harvests. Until the concluding scene, the rest of the play in many ways works as a flashback on Oedipus' life. What readers and viewers find out in the rest of the play is what Oedipus does with his life before he becomes king.
In essence, Oedipus is the son of Theban King Laius and Theban Queen Jocasta. But he's left on a hillside as the prey of the weather, the dogs, and the birds. Such a quick end to a three day old baby nevertheless is averted.
Through the help of two shepherds, Oedipus ends up in Corinth as the adopted son of King Polybus and Queen Merope. The couple need a male heir, Oedipus fits the bill, and the truth of the adoption is kept from many, especially Oedipus. But the rumored adoption comes to the attention to Oedipus, who decides to find out the truth from the Delphic Oracle. But the Oracle warns Oedipus of his fate as the killer of his own father and the husband of his own mother.
Oedipus decides not to return to Corinth, which he thinks is the home of his true parents. Outside of Delphos, he ends up in a street brawl with a surly stranger over a right-of-way. In self defense, Oedipus kills the stranger, who actually is Theban King Laius en route also to consult the Oracle.
The identity of the victim is unknown to Oedipus, who must choose his escape route from one of three roads. He chooses the road that takes him to Thebes. Outside the city, a Sphinx terrorizes all passersby with a fateful riddle. No one has the answer, so all die. But Oedipus realizes that man is the living being that moves on all fours in the morning, on twos in the afternoon, and on threes in the evening of life.
Oedipus' life is saved, the Sphinx ends up dead at the bottom of the nearby cliff, and Thebans see the end to fear and taxes. In gratitude, they offer Laius' vacated throne and grieving widow to their savior. And so Oedipus takes on his father's familial and royal responsibilities. He has the love of his people, his wife who also is his mother, and his children who also are his half brothers!
But Oedipus is polluted and a polluter. He needs to be cleansed of the murder of his own father and of his sovereign. Father and king killing are serious offenses. And that's not all. He also is the perpetrator of both murder and incest. Both demand ritual cleansing. And so the unclean Oedipus is making his city and his people unclean as well, because his lack of cleanliness opens the door of Thebes to the plague.
What is the rising action in 'Oedipus Rex'?
The rising action is the part of the drama that begins where the introduction ends and leads to the climax or turning point. The rising action in 'Oedipus Rex' begins with Creon's first appearance in the play. It leads to Theban Queen Jocasta's recounting of how she understood her husband, Theban King Laius, died. And ultimately that recounting leads to the revelation of the murderous, incestuous base upon which Theban royal family life is based.
Whom does Oedipus ask to have brought to him at the end of Episode 2 in 'Oedipus Rex'?
The sole survivor of the fatal attack on Laius and his escort is the person that Oedipus asks to have brought to him at the end of Episode 2 in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, Theban Queen Jocasta's most trusted servant is the only person to survive the attack that leaves Theban King Creon and four members of his escort party dead. Upon his return to the palace, the servant requests a transfer back to shepherding in the hills outside Thebes. That he leaves the palace premises once Oedipus becomes King is the reason that the servant needs to be sent for when needed.
What are some moral issues in 'Antigone'?
There are two main moral issues in the play 'Antigone'. One is the question of disobedience or obedience to inhumane, unfair, unjust laws. Another is the manner in which that disobedience/ or obedience is carried out.
What is the main conflict in 'Antigone'?
In the play 'Antigone', the main conflict is between the manmade laws of the mortals and the divine laws of the gods. The people of Thebes are used to leading their lives in harmony with god-given justice, morality, rites, rituals and traditions. And then there's the tragic battle against the Argive invaders. In the armed struggle, loyal Thebans defeat the Argive and their Theban collaborators. Traditionally, all of the Theban dead are buried out of respect for the gods and for the loved ones that the dead leave behind. But Theban King Creon decides to issue a law that directly opposes the burial of the disloyal Theban dead. That act puts him on a collison course with his niece, Antigone, who answers to a higher moral authority than the changing laws of mortals.
What is the conflict of 'Antigone'?
The conflict of 'Antigone' is the conflict between the manmade laws of the State and the god-given laws of justice; morality; and rites, rituals, and traditions. The laws of the State are represented by Theban King Creon's decree that the disloyal Theban dead are to be left above ground and exposed to the elements, dogs, and birds. This is in direct opposition to the traditions of the preparation of the dead for their passage into the realms of the underworld god. Antigone respects the living and the dead. But she can't respect a law that violates the basic rules by which Thebans live. And so Antigone represents the timeless, god-given laws of a higher moralityabove and beyond those laws enacted by mortals.
Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone are the Oedipus plays. The three plays tell how the curse on the House of Labdacus plays out on Oedipus, in his own life and in those of his children. They all are written by Sophocles [c. 496 B.C.E. - c. 406 B.C.E.].
What is the most Question about Oedipus The King?
In Oedipus Rex, the most commonly discussed theme is sight and blindness. Blindness is described as misunderstanding where Oedipus is unwilling to accept his fate foretold by the prophets because of his arrogance and pride called hubris. He does not consider he himself could be the deceased King Laius' murderer because he had never met him in person. He doesn't believe Tiresias, the seer, because he prudently thinks that it is impossible to be Laius' son when his parents exist in Corinth. Sight is when he finally uncovers the truth of his origin and the mystery of the murder. He recalls the prophecy when he heard as a child, about killing his father, marrying his mother and having children with her. Then he learns that his parents in Corinth were not his real parents, and the passenger he killed at a crossroad was King Laius, his real father.
This tragic play is also ironic because he could physically see in the beginning but is intellectually blind of ignorance. In the end he blinds himself physically because he does not want to see his disgusting world the gods had laid before him, but is able to see and understand the reality.
