Antigone: A Girl with an Oedipus Essay Example

Being competent, dutiful, self-disciplined, orderly and deliberate are characteristics of individuals with high Conscientiousness. Ultimately, Antigone meets her demise.

Antigone was characterized by various traits. According to her personal beliefs, it was her obligation to inter Polynices even though Creon had issued a decree to the contrary. Despite the promise of death as punishment, Antigone proceeded with the burial with an orderly and intentional approach. She did not hastily bury him by tossing dirt; instead, she used Polynices's own shovel to lay him to rest, and meticulously performed the religious rites that guaranteed his repose.

Antigone's behavior during the burial indicates that she possesses conscientiousness as she completed it in a systematic and premeditated manner. Furthermore, her persistence and self-control in accomplishing this task twice, despite interference from the guards, indicate a strong conscientious character. Antigone's actions also suggest masculinity as she exhibits assertiveness in attaining her objective to bury her brother. In addition, her values of loyalty and obligation can be regarded as masculine traits.

Antigone is a scholar with an interest in reading and nature, unconcerned with her attire or feminine appearance. She is instead more attuned to her masculine qualities, according to Carl Jung's theories on the animus - the male aspect of a female's personality.

According to Jung, in order to prevent individuals from being one-dimensional, it is crucial to free and bring awareness to the animus, as well as its male equivalent, the anima (which represents the feminine attributes in men). The animus can be manifested in females through logical thinking, strength, aggressiveness and so forth. Antigone's use of logic by burying Polynices under the cover of darkness to evade detection exemplifies her

animus aspect. Nevertheless, her greatest display of the animus is demonstrated through her aggression.

Antigone doesn't hold back in her challenge to the king, Creon, who is also her uncle and her fiance's father. Though he tries to save her, reasoning with her, Antigone responds with aggression and insults, calling him a dog and spitting on his ideas for life and happiness.

Antigone's animus is best exemplified by her resolute determination and assertive actions. According to Maslow's theory, she was a self-actualized individual who strived to reach her full potential by nurturing her skills and abilities. Despite her untimely demise, Antigone managed to attain the summit of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, starting with satisfying her basic physiological requirements such as food and water, which were fulfilled by her royal status as a Theban princess.

The physical needs of the woman were fulfilled by her servants. Her sense of safety was ensured by the palace surroundings and her status as a princess, being recognized publicly as the daughter of Oedipus. With this recognition, any outsider threat was unlikely. She had a secure dwelling with guards and also received affection from her sister, Ismene, and her Nurse. Moreover, her fiance Haemon held great care for her.

Antigone was deeply appreciated by the people she was accepted into, and reciprocated their affection. Her intelligence, kindness, and affability earned her high regard within the kingdom and made her beloved by those surrounding her.

At the summit of the pyramid, she had achieved self-actualization. Her innate desire to continuously evolve and enhance her knowledge was apparent. She possessed characteristics of independence, honesty, and morality, with a firm belief in what is just and

right.

Antigone's self-actualization drove her to bury her brother, as being her best self required her to act according to her values of right and wrong. Failing to bury Polynices would mean betraying herself, ultimately leading to a virtuous death. Furthermore, Antigone was accepting of others, showcasing more signs of self-actualization.

Although Ismene declined to aid Antigone in the burial of Polynices, Antigone does not harbor any animosity towards her sister. On the contrary, she recognizes Ismene's value and rationalizes her refusal to assist. Conversely, Antigone is an introverted individual who derives pleasure from walking in natural surroundings, pursuing literary interests, and avoiding social gatherings. She considers herself a "solitary" person.

Antigone's self-actualization, influenced by her father Oedipus, played a role in her demise. Growing up, Antigone absorbed her father's beliefs on justice and righteousness. Through their journeys after Oedipus's removal from the throne, Antigone further enriched her understanding.

Observing her honorable and dutiful father, Antigone practiced what Bandura refers to as observational learning. She saw him advocate for doing what was right, but also witnessed his blinding remorse after killing his father and marrying his mother. Nevertheless, he remained a role model to her and she learned how to behave from his actions in various situations.

Antigone observed her father's behavior, adopted his beliefs, and witnessed the resulting outcomes. As a result of his honorable and duty-bound nature, Antigone also exemplified these qualities. In the face of others' preference for popular and effortless actions over doing the right thing, Antigone remained steadfast in her convictions. Her father's principled actions served as a valuable lesson that Antigone learned and embodied.

Creon accused Antigone of speaking with

her father's voice and words, noting the strong influence of Oedipus in her character. Antigone's behavior is a result of observational learning, whereby she witnessed Oedipus's actions and their consequences before replicating them. In essence, Antigone's key personality traits are rooted in her firm belief structures.

Antigone possessed a clear mind and focused on her goals, acting based on her convictions. Despite bemoaning the necessity of doing what was right (without desiring death), she saw it through. Ultimately, Antigone prioritized her own happiness, acknowledging that adhering to her instincts and heart was the only means of achieving it. Although this led to her demise, she accepted it. Failing to live by her principles would have been a different form of death. Hence, Allport deems Antigone's primary personality trait as her steadfast adherence to her beliefs and sense of righteousness.

Despite Antigone's actions ultimately leading to her death, which she was aware of, she was not a mentally unstable character. She did not desire death nor did she suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts. Her unwavering dedication to what she believed was just and dignified resulted in her tragic demise.

Despite her circumstances, Antigone demonstrates strong character and conscientiousness. She is not psychologically unhealthy but rather a girl doing her best.

Despite her tragic fate as a young girl destined to die, she remains a powerful example of observational learning, with a strong animus and self-actualization. Her story of unwavering devotion to duty and belief is truly touching.

This young girl serves as a great example of the qualities of loyalty and commitment that everyone should aspire to learn.