Man as Political Animal and Antigone Essay Example

appropriate measures. Similarly, animals exhibit a similar instinctual sense of reconnaissance before embarking on a mission, albeit on a more instinctive level. For example, hyenas will only attempt to steal prey from lions when part of a large pack. Smaller animals always yield to the "big five" - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceroses - when they approach rivers due to past experiences or instinctual appraisal. In Antigone, the ruling class in Theban society attempts to control lawlessness by imposing strict deterrent measures against any potential rebellion and punishing Polyneices. Although this endeavor fails, it serves as a reminder to the people of Thebes that political rebellion is a grave offense.The play Antigone directly relates to Aristotle's belief that humans are political creatures, as both animals and humans can form communal groups to achieve common goals. Whether it is a pride, herd, bask, or swarm, animals thrive when acting together in large numbers. Similarly, the fate and political direction of a state or country are determined by the collective action of its citizens as the body politic. This is particularly clear in situations where a plebiscite is necessary for making political decisions. The story of Antigone serves as an example of this concept since only a few individuals - Antigone, Eurydice, Haemon, and Tiresias - attempt to dissuade Creon from his cruel verdict. If the entire population had united against Creon's decision, they could have reversed Polyneices' punishment and prevented the tragic deaths of Queen Eurydice and Prince Haemon. Like animals, human beings always operate under leadership guidance. Matriarchal or patriarchal systems exist both in animal communities and human societies; for instance, the Mayan civilization

demonstrates this duality. Despite cultural differences and historical contexts, leadership among human beings has always been evident regardless of whether it's African ascephalous states or centralized European states.Jean Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract Theory illustrates the concept that individuals possess ultimate sovereignty but willingly give it to the state through a social contract. In turn, the state can enforce necessary laws for societal well-being and order. However, residual sovereignty remains within the community, enabling them to participate in universal suffrage and elect competent leaders who reject corruption and oppression. The play Antigone exemplifies a leader's role in upholding or disregarding the law, regardless of their actions being wise or reckless. Additionally, humans coexist within an environment with limited resources, similar to animals. This scarcity plays a crucial part in the social contract as it fuels conflicts such as the war between Polyneices and Eteocles depicted in Antigone. Furthermore, politics entails a struggle for power while also encompassing the ability to seize and allocate economic values discreetly within this struggle.