In the play Antigone
Which character do you think is wholly right in their actions? Wholly wrong? Partially right or wrong? Give reasons for your judgement.
"do you think" <~~ Those words are asking for YOUR opinion.
Which character do YOU THINK was in the right? Antigone? Creon? Who?
Once you decide, be ready to give and support your reasons.
To determine which character in the play Antigone is wholly right, wholly wrong, or partially right or wrong, we need to carefully analyze the actions and motivations of each character. Here is a breakdown of the main characters and their actions:
1. Antigone: Antigone is driven by loyalty to her family and her sense of moral duty. She believes that she must give her brother, Polynices, a proper burial, even if it means defying the King's decree. From a moral perspective, Antigone can be seen as wholly right in her actions, as she upholds the principles of justice and familial loyalty. However, from a legal standpoint, she can be seen as wholly wrong, as she disobeys the law and challenges the authority of the state.
2. Creon: Creon, the King of Thebes, orders that Polynices should remain unburied due to his betrayal and rebellion against the city. Creon represents the state's authority and believes that his laws must be obeyed to maintain order and stability. While his actions are motivated by a desire to protect the polis, his excessive rigidity and refusal to consider alternative viewpoints make him partially wrong. Creon initially fails to listen to his son Haemon and the wise seer, Teiresias, leading to disastrous consequences.
3. Haemon: Haemon, Creon's son and Antigone's fiancé, is torn between his love for Antigone and his loyalty to his father. He argues that Creon should be more open-minded and listen to the concerns of the people. Haemon's arguments for moderation and compromise reflect a desire for balance and justice. His suggestions make him partially right, as he tries to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
4. Ismene: Antigone's sister, Ismene, initially refuses to help Antigone bury Polynices, fearing punishment. However, Ismene later regrets her decision and expresses her willingness to share in Antigone's punishment. Ismene's actions can be seen as partially wrong, as she initially prioritizes self-preservation over family loyalty. However, her change of heart demonstrates her recognition of the injustice and her desire to stand with her sister.
In the play Antigone, it can be argued that no character is wholly right or wholly wrong. Each character's actions are driven by their subjective beliefs and motivations, leading to a tragic conflict. Antigone's unwavering commitment to justice clashes with Creon's rigid interpretation of the law, while Haemon and Ismene represent attempts to mitigate the consequences of their respective decisions. Ultimately, the play explores the complex nature of moral dilemmas and the tragic consequences of stubbornness and excessive pride.