In the tragic play Antigone, written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, the central conflict revolves around the burial of the two brothers, Eteokles and Polyneikes. Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, faces a moral dilemma as she defies the law of the land in order to honor her brother Polyneikes with a proper burial.
To fully understand the significance of who Antigone buries, it is essential to delve into the background of the story. Oedipus, Antigone’s father, unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, thus fulfilling a prophecy. When Oedipus discovered the truth, he gouged out his eyes and went into exile. Antigone’s brothers, Eteokles and Polyneikes, later engaged in a deadly clash over the throne of Thebes, resulting in their mutual demise.
The play begins with Antigone’s uncle, King Kreon, decreeing that Eteokles, who defended Thebes, should receive a proper burial, while Polyneikes, considered a traitor, should be left unburied as a warning to others. This edict presents a moral conflict for Antigone, as she believes it is her duty to honor both of her brothers, regardless of their actions.
Despite the risk of punishment, Antigone boldly decides to bury Polyneikes. She believes in the importance of respecting the dead and fulfilling her familial obligations. Antigone’s actions represent a rebellion against the unjust law and a demonstration of her unwavering loyalty to her family.
Antigone’s decision to bury Polyneikes leads to a series of tragic events. She is caught in the act by Kreon’s guards and is brought before the king. Antigone defends her actions, arguing that the divine laws of the gods supersede the laws of man. However, Kreon remains steadfast in his decision to punish her.
The play unfolds with Antigone’s sister, Ismene, expressing regret for not joining her in the burial, and Antigone’s fiancé, Haemon, attempting to convince his father, Kreon, to spare her life. Despite their pleas, Kreon remains resolute and condemns Antigone to be buried alive in a tomb.
The tragedy reaches its climax when Antigone takes her own life rather than succumb to a fate worse than death. Haemon, devastated by Antigone’s death, also ends his life. This double tragedy prompts Kreon’s wife, Eurydice, to take her own life as well, leaving Kreon to suffer the consequences of his stubbornness and unjust actions.
Antigone buries her brother Polyneikes, defying the law of the land and facing dire consequences for her actions. The play explores themes of loyalty, family duty, and the clash between divine law and human law. Antigone’s unwavering commitment to honoring her brother ultimately leads to a tragic chain of events that highlights the destructive power of pride and the importance of recognizing and respecting the rights of the dead.
Does Antigone Bury Oedipus?
Antigone does bury Oedipus. In the play written by Sophocles, titled “Antigone,” the story revolves around the aftermath of Oedipus’ death. Antigone, who is Oedipus’ daughter, takes it upon herself to bury her father, despite the orders given by King Creon, who had forbidden the burial of Oedipus.
Antigone’s decision to bury her father stems from her strong sense of familial duty and religious beliefs. She believes that it is her responsibility to honor and respect her father, even in death. She sees it as her moral obligation to provide him with a proper burial, which involves the ritualistic practices of the time.
Despite the consequences and the potential punishment she may face, Antigone goes against the king’s decree and carries out the burial. She is eventually caught and brought before King Creon, who condemns her to death for her defiance.
Antigone’s act of burying Oedipus serves as a central conflict in the play, highlighting the clash between individual conscience and the laws of the state. It also raises questions about the nature of justice, duty, and the limits of governmental authority.
Antigone’s unwavering determination to bury her father showcases her loyalty and devotion to her family, even in the face of societal consequences.
How Many Times Does Antigone Bury?
In the play Antigone, the titular character, Antigone, buries her brother Polyneices not once, but twice. The first burial occurs at the beginning of the play, when Antigone defies the decree of King Creon and buries Polyneices against his orders. She believes it is her duty to honor her brother and give him a proper burial according to religious customs.
However, Antigone’s act of defiance is discovered, and she is brought before Creon to face punishment. Despite the consequences, Antigone remains steadfast in her beliefs and refuses to apologize for her actions.
The second burial of Polyneices takes place later in the play. When Antigone is sentenced to death for her defiance, her fiancé Haemon, who is also Creon’s son, pleads with his father to spare her life. Haemon’s intervention prompts Creon to reconsider his decision, but it is too late. When Creon arrives at the tomb where Antigone has been imprisoned, he finds that she has taken her own life. Haemon, distraught over Antigone’s death, also takes his own life.
Upon discovering the tragic events, Creon’s wife, Queen Eurydice, also takes her own life, leaving Creon utterly devastated. As a result, Creon finally realizes the error of his ways and acknowledges the righteousness of Antigone’s actions.
So, while Antigone herself does not physically bury Polyneices twice, her steadfastness and sacrifice ultimately lead to his burial being carried out twice – once by Antigone herself and later by Creon, after he realizes the consequences of his actions.
Who Is Buried Honorably In Antigone?
In the play Antigone, written by Sophocles, the character Eteokles is the one who is buried honorably. Eteokles was given a proper burial, in accordance with the laws and customs of Thebes, because he died defending the city in battle. His death was seen as a noble sacrifice, and it was deemed necessary to honor him with a respectful burial.
On the other hand, his brother Polyneikes was denied a proper burial. Polyneikes had also fought against Thebes, leading a rebellion against his own city. Due to his betrayal and actions that were seen as treasonous, King Kreon, the ruler of Thebes, decreed that Polyneikes should not be given a burial. This was a severe punishment, as in ancient Greek culture, a proper burial was considered essential for the deceased person’s journey to the afterlife.
Antigone, the sister of Eteokles and Polyneikes, defies King Kreon’s decree and takes it upon herself to bury her brother Polyneikes. She believes that it is her duty as a family member to honor her brother’s body and give him a proper burial, despite the consequences. Antigone’s actions lead to a series of tragic events and a clash between her own sense of moral duty and the laws of the state.
To summarize, Eteokles is the brother who is buried honorably in Antigone, while his brother, Polyneikes, is denied a proper burial due to his actions against Thebes.
What Lines Does Antigone Bury Her Brother?
In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone is determined to bury her brother, Polynices, despite the decree of King Creon. She believes that it is her duty to honor her brother and give him a proper burial, even if it means going against the law.
Antigone’s act of burying her brother takes place in several lines of the play, particularly in the scene where she is confronted by Creon. Here are the specific lines where Antigone discusses her intention to bury her brother:
1. “Ismene, I am going to bury him. Will you come?” (Line 73)
In this line, Antigone reveals her decision to bury Polynices and asks her sister, Ismene, to join her in this act.
2. “I will bury him myself.” (Line 85)
Antigone expresses her determination to personally bury her brother, emphasizing her commitment to carry out this act of defiance.
3. “And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory.” (Line 85)
Antigone acknowledges the potential consequences of her actions, stating that even if she dies in the process of burying Polynices, it will be a glorious death, as she will be united with her beloved brother.
4. “I will lie with the one I love and loved by him—an outrage sacred to the gods!” (Line 86)
Antigone believes that it is not only her duty to bury her brother, but also a sacred act that will earn her favor from the gods. She sees it as a way to be united with Polynices even in death.
These lines highlight Antigone’s unwavering determination to bury her brother, despite the potential consequences. She views this act as a sacred duty and is willing to face any punishment in order to honor her familial bond and defy the unjust decree of the king.
Conclusion
Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, buries her brother Polyneices in the play “Antigone.” This act of burial becomes a central conflict in the story, as Polyneices is considered a traitor to Thebes and Creon, the king, has forbidden anyone from burying him. However, Antigone defies Creon’s law and insists on giving her brother a proper burial, believing it is her duty as a sister and as a believer in the sacred laws of the gods. Despite the consequences she may face, Antigone remains steadfast in her decision, stating that she will even die for this act of honor. Thus, Antigone’s actions and her unwavering conviction in burying her brother Polyneices exemplify her strong sense of familial duty and her loyalty to divine laws over human laws.
