Joey Hepner highlights a powerful quote from Sophocles' Antigone. The quote reads: "If you think what I’m doing now is stupid, perhaps I’m being charged with foolishness by someone who’s a fool" (Sophocles469). This quote is significant because it is said by Antigone after she has been caught burying her own brother, which goes against the laws that Creon has established.
Despite being accused of committing the charges and having knowledge of the laws, she refuses to deny them when confronted by Creon. She boldly asserts that she is doing the right thing and claims that he is a fool if he disagrees. This display of bravery in challenging the king leaves a lasting impression on me. I can relate to her stance as I have faced situations in my life where authority figures deemed me wrong despite knowing I was right.
Sim
...ilar to Antigone, I speak out against those who act foolishly in these types of situations. Whether or not my argument is acknowledged, I may be either pardoned or criticized for my actions. Despite this potential condemnation, I will keep advocating for what I believe in. As Tennyson wrote, "So leave me and my foolishness alone— we’ll get through this fearful thing."
At the start of the book, Sophocles presents Antigone's true character through the line, "I won’t suffer anything as bad as a disgraceful death" (97). In this scene, Ismene attempts to dissuade Antigone from her actions and warns her of the consequences. However, Antigone resolutely declares that she does not care for her sister's opinion and is certain she is making the right choice.
According to her, it's preferable to die for defending your principle
rather than dying shamefully by not upholding your own values. This statement holds a significant value for individuals with religious virtues, as they often encounter scorn and ruthless taunting for their beliefs. Frequently, it becomes overwhelming for people with weaker convictions, leading to capitulation to this contempt or fear of being ostracized or penalized for their personal morals.
I have experienced betraying my beliefs in order to conform or avoid punishment like Ismene. However, at times, the fear that comes with it has strengthened my faith and commitment to my morals similar to Antigone's. Hence, I can relate to both of these characters. 3.
Sophocles' quote emphasizes the corrupting power of money. It has the ability to promote immoral actions and make them prevalent in society, leading to the downfall of communities and the displacement of individuals. Even virtuous individuals can be swayed by the lure of money and engage in shameful behaviors. This monetary drive teaches people to live dishonorably, becoming involved in illicit activities. However, those who participate in wrongdoing solely for monetary gain ultimately face consequences for their actions. This quote represents one of Sophocles' most profound expressions of truth.
Creon expresses his doubts about the guards being bribed to bury Polyneices. This statement holds immense power, as it highlights the universal truth of money corrupting individuals and causing ruin. While the context of Creon's suspicion may be incorrect, the sentiment behind the quote remains entirely valid and impactful. I concur with the notion presented, having personally compromised my own values and beliefs for financial gain.
According to Sophocles, money possesses an immense influence that can drive individuals to perform any action. I have personally
engaged in deceitful and unethical behavior such as lying, cheating, and stealing for it before. Money is a human-created emblem that has the ability to transform sincere individuals into subservient beings who will do anything to acquire it. It has the capacity to manipulate people against their wishes just for its attainment. Fundamentally, money is responsible for all the wickedness present in our world including greed, jealousy, excessive indulgence, destitution, anguish and agony.
Over 2000 years ago, Sophocles acknowledged a concept that still holds true today. He declared that "There is no harm in that," and urged people to concentrate on actions instead of age with his statement: "And if I'm young, don't think about my age—look at what I do."
(Sophocles729) This particular line holds great personal significance for me as in this scene, Haemon engages in an argument with his father, Creon. Creon cites Haemon's youth and consequent lack of opinion, to which Haemon counters that his actions should be evaluated despite his age. I find myself able to relate to this scenario as being the youngest in my family, I am often judged based solely on my age rather than my actions.
On numerous occasions, my mother has expressed that I am either too young or insufficiently experienced to handle certain tasks. Although her comments would be acceptable if they pertained to matters that are age-sensitive, she sometimes restricts me from activities that I am fully capable of handling. I am fatigued with being held back based on my age when my trustworthy and responsible character has been demonstrated.
Sophocles wisely concludes his play with the statement that true success hinges on wisdom. He emphasizes the
importance of avoiding arrogance toward the gods, as it only invites punishment. This insight is particularly critical for older individuals to grasp. The final quote resonates deeply, as it serves as a poignant reminder of the essential values necessary for a fulfilling life.
According to the text, the most important factor in achieving success is wisdom. To acquire wisdom, individuals must understand that impious behavior and excessive pride will ultimately result in punishment and an inability to recognize and rectify their mistakes until it is too late - near the end of their lives. The quote serves as a reminder to avoid arrogance and pride, as personal experience has shown the negative consequences of such attitudes. It also speaks to the downfall of Creon, whose own arrogance led to his ruin despite his position of power.
Sophocles' quote in which Ismene says, "Whatever good sense people have by birth no longer stays with them once their lives go wrong—it abandons them" after Creon declares one of the sisters is mad and the other has always been, is confusing to me.
Within this line, Ismene may be referencing either herself or her sister's progression from normalcy to madness, or perhaps even Creon, who could have once been normal and now is consumed by power. Regardless, these words hold significant influence. Human beings are inherently imbued with a moral compass, though this can be corrupted by our own transgressions, mistakes, and wrongdoing. Personally, I have engaged in actions that I knew were incorrect because I was born with innate knowledge of right and wrong and raised with values that reinforced this notion.
As soon as I began engaging in
this behavior, my perception of it changed, and I disregarded any sense of wrongdoing. Despite the fact that it is incorrect, our minds deceive us into believing that any action that brings us pleasure is advantageous. This misguided thinking leads us to trust that there are no flaws in our behavior. When individuals commit mischief in secrecy, their conscience often exposes them by revealing their deceitfulness beforehand. It is appalling to witness those who have been caught committing immoral deeds attempt to glorify their wrongdoing.
Sophocles considers the conversation between Creon and the chorus leader about Antigone's "treacherous" act to be the most controversial and flawless passage in the book. The quote implies that individuals who glorify their misdeeds are, in fact, incorrect. This raises doubts about whether Antigone was wrong in opposing the law or right in obeying the gods rather than humans. It also triggers reflections on who has authority to assess actions' morality, an age-old issue. Consequently, this quote stimulates a plethora of questions and ideas.
After reading this statement, I agreed with it at first. However, I soon discovered that it clashed with Antigone's narrative, which left me in a state of inner conflict. At times, I rooted for Antigone, yet at others, I found myself endorsing the idea that exalting criminal behavior is inappropriate. This quotation serves as a comprehensive summary of Antigone.
Should she comply with the gods and go against her king's laws, or is it incorrect to believe that she is correct and the rules she must follow are not?
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