Antigone

That they are divinely sanctioned for all Thebans is the reason why Antigone performs funeral rites on her brother in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone's uncle, King Creon, issues a royal edict that respects for some and denies to others god-given rights of all Thebans to below-ground burials and proper funeral rites. Antigone lacks the strength to bury her brother Polyneices other than partially, by which the body remains above ground but covered by a layer of dust. She manages to carry out, completely and perfectly, the mandatory funeral rites by which the body is anointed with sacred liquid from a ewer.

Age and comfort zone are the contrasts that are suggested by the conversation between Antigone and Ismene in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone appears older than her sister Ismene because she arranges the meeting and sets the topic of conversation. She gives the impression of greater confidence and experience in dealing with life's challenges. She therefore has the bigger comfort zone in terms of risk taking than her younger, more easily intimidated and less experienced sister.

Near the entrances at the front of the royal palace of Thebes is where the action takes place in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, all onstage action takes place near the side or main entrances to the Theban royal palace. Flashbacks and conversations bring in events that take place elsewhere in ancient Greece, in and around Thebes, and inside the palace. But the play still respects the ancient Greek ideal of the dramatic unity of time, plot, and place: all onstage action takes place in one location within a 24-hour period during which a problem is raised and resolved.

Make his own rules, scold two nieces and a son, sentence a niece to death, threaten a blind prophet and try to undo his previous actions are what Creon does in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban King Creon decides to turn divinely ordained rights of Thebans to below-ground burials and funeral rites into royally decreed privileges. He bullies his nieces, the Princesses Antigone and Ismene, and his sole remaining child, Prince Haemon, when Antigone dares to bury Polyneices, her brother and Creon's nephew. When Teiresias the blind prophet dares to criticize non-burials and death sentences, he too is insulted and threatened. It is only when the chorus leader advises doing what Teiresias says to do that Creon tries to undo all his mistakes.

One day is the time that is covered in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, the dramatist observes the three unities in ancient Greek drama. That means that the action takes place in one set location over one set time period. The events must begin and end within a day.

Arrogance and stubbornness are Antigone's and Creon's common qualities that contribute to the conflict in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone demonstrates arrogance when in thinking that she can respect the gods but disrespect King Creon, the gods' earthly representative in Thebes. In return, Creon exhibits arrogance in thinking that he can issue a royal edict that contradicts divine will and cherished Theban traditions. They both express stubbornness in refusing to budge from their respective positions.

Consolidating royal power, continuing to punish the disloyal in death and discouraging future challenges and rebellions are Creon's motives in issuing the non-burial edict in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban King Creon issues an edict that denies to some Thebans divinely sanctioned guarantees of below-ground burials and funeral rites for all Thebans. He is sobered by the recent civil war over the royal succession during the reign of his nephew Eteocles. He does not want his royal authority similarly challenged and finds the best way of securing the throne for him and his family is to punish disloyal Thebans in life and death.

Kill herself is what happens to Antigone in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone breaks her uncle King Creon's law by burying her brother Polyneices. She gets sentenced to death. She hangs herself rather than endure death by live burial and starvation.

There is no victor in the battle between Eteocles and Polyneices in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, twin brothers Eteocles and Polyneices kill each other in the final battle of the civil war over the Theban royal succession. Neither one prevails. But Eteocles' forces triumph over those of Polyneices and his Argive supporters. So Eteocles' usurping line wins ... for the time being.

It is only in the second scene that the chorus leader mentions Oedipus in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, the chorus leader is present for Theban Princess Antigone's interrogation by her uncle King Creon. He is quick to cast judgment. He observes that Antigone is very much like her father, disgraced King Oedipus, in her lack of luck and self-control.

Risk-taker versus intimidated is the main difference between Antigone and Ismene in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone has a daunting personality that leads her to risk her life for a cause. There is nothing quiet about the way she goes about burying her brother Polyneices, a crime punishable by execution. In contrast, her sister Princess Ismene makes every effort to comply with the laws of her daunting uncle King Creon who intimidates her.

A fault is a defect or weakness in an individual's character or personality. In terms of Antigone, her main fault is her uncontrolled passion that disrespects the feelings of others. She's so convinced of the correctness of her beliefs and actions that she doesn't want to hear or reconcile opposing beliefs and actions. As a result, related faults that Antigone shows are pride and stubbornness. She also shows a certain lack of forgiveness in not giving her sister Ismene a chance to make up for earlier disappointments.

But there are a number of faults that Antigone lacks. She isn't covetous, envious, or jealous. Neither is she cowardly, deceitful or greedy. Nor is she lazy, lustful, selfish or vain.