Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon had decided. To Ismene, shocking as it was, overwhelming her with anguish for the pitiful dead body and the lonely, homeless soul, it seemed, nevertheless, that nothing could be done except to acquiesce. She and Antigone were utterly alone. All Thebes was exulting that the man who had brought war upon them should be thus terribly punished. "We are women," she told her sister. "We must obey. We have no strength to defy the State." "Choose your own part," Antigone said. "I go to bury the brother I love." "You are not strong enough," Ismene cried. "Why, then when my strength fails," Antigone answered, "I will give up." She left her sister; Ismene dared not follow her.
–“The Royal House of Thebes,”
Edith Hamilton
What archetype does Antigone represent?
What is the universal theme in this passage?
How does Antigone’s archetype reveal the theme?
Antigone represents the archetype of the rebel or the defiant individual.
The universal theme in this passage is the conflict between individual will and state authority.
Antigone's archetype reveals the theme by embodying the individual who is willing to challenge and defy the state's authority in order to honor her personal beliefs and values. She is willing to face the consequences and even risk her own life to bury her brother, despite the state's decree. Antigone's defiance represents the struggle between personal morality and obedience to societal rules.
Antigone represents the archetype of the rebel or the individual who defies authority and stands up for what they believe in.
The universal theme in this passage is the conflict between individual conscience and societal duty.
Antigone's archetype reveals the theme by demonstrating her inner strength and conviction to follow her own moral compass despite the consequences and societal expectations. She is willing to face the punishment in order to honor and bury her brother, showing her unwavering belief in individual responsibility and moral righteousness. This highlights the tension between personal beliefs and the demands of society, emphasizing the universal theme of the conflict between individual conscience and societal duty.
To determine the archetype that Antigone represents, we must analyze her character in the given passage. Archetypes are recurring patterns or character types that are universal across different cultures and literature.
From the passage, we can infer that Antigone represents the archetype of the rebel or the defiant individual. She chooses to go against the decree of her uncle, Creon, the ruler of Thebes, and insists on burying her brother, even in the face of severe consequences. Her defiance of authority and her willingness to take action demonstrate her rebel archetype.
The universal theme in this passage revolves around the conflict between personal moral values and obedience to authority. It explores the tension that arises when individuals are forced to choose between following their own moral compass or conforming to societal norms and laws.
Antigone's rebel archetype reveals the theme by showcasing the internal struggle between personal beliefs and societal expectations. By defying Creon's decree, she asserts her own values and stands up for what she believes is right, even when it means going against the state's authority. Antigone's rebellion highlights the importance of personal integrity and challenges the notion of blind obedience to authority. Her archetype serves as a catalyst for exploring the theme of moral conflict and the consequences it can have on an individual's life.