The chorus discusses the tragic history of Antigone's family in the second stasiman, stating that sorrow has plagued them from one generation to another. They express having witnessed numerous sorrows and grief that continuously accumulate within their family.
The chorus warns that every generation is subject to a divine punishment, as they declare, "No generation can escape. A god always strike." This serves as a message to the audience that their family is cursed, with the origins traced back to Oedipus. Antigone and Ismene attempt to evade their inevitable fate, but it steadily approaches. The chorus emphasizes this prophecy further by stating, "No pride can escape the anger of the Gods." The play highlights Creon's arrogance as he refuses to give Antigone an opportunity to speak, despite everyone, including his son Haemon, believing she deserves a chance. Creon expe
...cts Haemon, his son, to always prioritize him above all else.
The speaker discusses his decision regarding the Antigone case and expresses his concern about his son's reputation, hoping he will not be perceived as useless by others. This selfish expectation reveals the speaker's self-centered nature, as he merely wants his son to enhance his own image. In this play, obedience is not seen as crucial, as evidenced by the lack of respect shown towards Creon by Antigone and Ismene.
Antigone disrespected Creon by informing him that she buried her brother, asserting that she was serving justice. She stated, "It was not God's law. Nor did the justice who lives with the Gods below the earth practice it for mankind." Ismene followed suit, demonstrating disobedience towards Creon's decisions and showing her indifference towards them. Nevertheless, obedience is crucial as Creon
cannot make laws without people defying them. Creon mentions, "If I allowed disobedience in my family, I would have to allow it everywhere." Thus, obedience is essential.
In these pages, the author discloses his mistreatment of women, which is both oppressive and sexist. His extreme level of arrogance leads him to dismiss Antigone without even listening to her because she is a woman. He boldly states, "I will not let myself be defeated by a woman. If we are going to be defeated, it should be by a man." This shows his fear of engaging in a debate with Antigone as she may have strong support for her perspective. Recognizing the strength of her arguments, he resorts to asserting that women are incapable of surpassing men in order to ensure his victory and silence her from speaking the truth.
Haemon expresses to his father that the men of Thebes possess varying degrees of intelligence. Some are highly intelligent while others lack intelligence. He emphasizes that certain individuals mourn for Antigone, advising his father to understand this and not be afraid of hearing dissenting opinions that may annoy him. Haemon urges his father to have an open mind and recognize that others have knowledge and insights that can benefit him. He highlights the importance of not believing that he alone possesses the truth. Additionally, Haemon cautions his father that he cannot be fully aware of everything that people say, do, or how they criticize him. Consequently, he advises his father to allow people to express their thoughts and let go of his own stubbornness.
Creon refuses to accept anything his son offers him, due to his ego and arrogance.
He dismisses his son as a mere "boy" and uses sarcasm to avoid facing the truth. Despite his son's wisdom, Creon disregards him not because of his actions but because of his age. The chorus, however, plays a neutral role by impartially considering both arguments and offering their opinions. Following Creon and Haemon's speeches, they suggest that both parties should learn from each other if Haemon has made valid points.
Both sides have spoken admirably. As readers, we perceive them as a council of wise individuals delivering just remarks. Creon accuses Haemon of distorting his words, declaring, "You reprehensible being! Defying your father!" This accusation stems from Haemon's refusal to heed his father's perspective, revealing Haemon's arrogance and the necessity for him to comprehend the weight of his own statements.
He accuses his father of siding with Antigone when discussing divine law. His father responds by accusing him of being influenced by a woman. If Creon decides to sentence Antigone to death, he threatens to take his own life, claiming that her death will lead to another death. He clarifies that this is not a threat, but rather his true wish.
Creon's plan is to kill Antigone in a desolate cave, most likely to disrupt his father from his current activity. In a sarcastic tone, he instructs the chorus to allow her to seek help from the only deity she worships - the God of death. It is possible that Creon is distorting the truth, as he falsely believes that Antigone worships the God of death. Contrary to his belief, she actually pays homage to the deceased, not the God of death.
He is aware that she also worships
Zeus, who is the supreme deity. Moreover, he understands that she has decided not to pray for a long life, as she has chosen the path of death.
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