Relating to Characters in Sophocles Plays - 1561 Words

A Tale of Two Cities, Romeo and Juliet. Names such as these bring to mind both plays and pieces of literature that are considered by many to be timeless classics. Perhaps the reason these stories are so popular is not just because they are well written. People are also able to relate to the characters who are often entangled in one of the many complexities within a given society. Authors such as Shakespeare or Charles Dickens are able to discuss some of the issues and problems that face people within society. The answers to the these issues are often left unclear. Providing the audience a chance to ponder these questions and decide for themselves if a certain view is right, wrong, or somewhere in between. Sophocles was a playwright of†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"It is not for him to keep me from my own.†2 Further telling Ismene, â€Å"The time in which I must please those that are dead is longer than I must please those of this world.† Antigone is clearly very concerned about pleasing the gods, and honoring her deceased family members. Furthermore when Ismene pleads with antigone to at least bury him in secret and not tell anyone, promising to tell no one as well.3 Antigone responds by saying. â€Å"Oh, oh, no! Shout it out.† Knowing that she does not need to be ashamed of her actions. Stating, â€Å"I know that I am pleasing those I should please most.† Creon is put in a very difficult situation when he is made king. He is the uncle of the two brothers, and Polyneices did have a rightful claim to the thrown. He has a very difficult decision. On the one hand he can allow Polyneices to be buried. By doing so he will have honored the gods, but people might realize that they can commit a crime as heinous as turning traitor to ones own polis. Yet still receive a measure of mercy. On the other hand, Creon can perhaps discourage future wrongdoers by giving out a harsh punishment. Creons punishment for Polyneices is the worst punishment he could give, considering that Polyneices was already dead. By doing so Creon lets the people know that fighting against your own polis will not be tolerated and those found guilty of doing so will be punished severely. Even if they are members of his own family.Show MoreRelatedFigurative Language In Oedipus And Shakespeare1183 Words   |  5 PagesSophocles and Shakespeare were both literary artists that published works that have been respected and relevant centuries later. The unique language in historical literature assists in their interpretation and their relevance to modern understanding. The masterful wielding of language, diction, and metaphor contribute to various aspects of their work, adding both elements of drama and realism. By incorporating significant words and lines into their writings, Shakespeare and Sophocles create consistentRead MoreTragedy and Comedy Essay1248 Words   |  5 PagesRex, written by Sophocles, is the epitome of classic Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle (96-101). Here, Oedipus falls from kingship to blindness and exile. Drama’s other great genre, Comedy, is represented by the laughing actors’ mask. In Comedy the action is usually propelled by a problem or crisis of some sorts, but unlike tragedy it usually ends well. Lysistrata, written by Aristophanes, is a perfect example of classic Comedy. The farcical story line follows the title character, who rallies theRead MoreThe Themes And Summary Of Antigone By Sophocles1318 Words   |  6 PagesSummary of Antigone â€Å"Antigone† is a tragedy made by the author Sophocles. Antigone starts out in Thebes in a post-war atmosphere. There was a war between two brothers for the crown of Thebes. The two brothers kill each other on the battle field resulting in one of the brothers receiving the people’s love and the other being labeled as a traitor to Thebes â€Å"Both brothers were killed in Battle.† Creon, the new king of Thebes, has decided because of Polyneices betrayal he shall not receive a soldier’sRead More Antigone Essay1031 Words   |  5 PagesThe first conversation between them is what initiates the downfall of their bond. While it seems that Creon is the most important person in Haemon’s life, Antigone is in fact the one that has won Haemon over. Antigone, written by the Athenian Sophocles, is about a woman named Antigone who lives in a city named Thebes. The play’s plot is based on her attempt to successfully bury her brother Polynices whom perished in a battle with his brother that also assumed the role of king of Thebes. Both brothersRead MoreOedipus As A Tragic Hero1939 Words   |  8 PagesThesis Statement: Sophocles’ Oedipus is a perfect example of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero through the main characters prosperity to an emotional downfall caused by a tragic flaw. I. Oedipus is a Tragic Hero a. Definition of a tragic hero as defined by Aristotle i. Aristotelian tragic hero is defined (Aristotle 1961, p. 1453a). b. Oedipus falling into Aristotle’s tragic hero definition i. Aristotle directs us to Oedipus the King as a tragic hero (Bruening 1997, pp. 14-15). II. How TragedyRead MoreHow to Read Literature Like a Professor1408 Words   |  6 Pagesgrows by weakening someone else. Connections: -The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Hester wearing the scarlet letter A is a perfect example of exploitation. By making her weaker, idealistic society grows stronger. A major theme is sin, relating easily to the evilness of sex in a puritan society. -Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein’s monster is scared by outside society as much as they are of him, but in this way, the un-accepting nature of society is strengthened. ______________________________________________Read MoreHamlet is More Tragic than Antigone1065 Words   |  5 Pagesplot, characters, thought (intellect), diction and song. This paper will analyze William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and how it is more tragic then Sophocles, Antigone, by reflecting on the ingredients in Aristotles view of tragedy. Aristotle believes that the most important part of the definition of tragedy is the plot or action, the soul to the tragedy. The plot must be complete with an arrangement of incidents, which is more important then the actual characters in the play. By thisRead MoreThe Tragic Hero Of Sophocles Antigone1805 Words   |  8 PagesGreek and Shakespearean tragedies have influenced the modern world of literature. One of the authors at the forefront of Greek tragedies was Sophocles. One of Sophocles most famous pieces of work is, Antigone. Written in 440 B.C in Athens, Greece, Sophocles uses this play to dramatize a series of events that unfolds when pride becomes more important than loyalty to family. Controversy still remains today of whom the tragic hero of Antigone is, but some scholars believe that Antigone herself is theRead MoreAntigone Vs. Jocasta Essay example830 Words   |  4 PagesWomen of any society always have had a different role to play than that of men. Psychologically, a woman is to find a mate in order to bring healthy offspring into the world. Conservative thinking tells women to cook, clean, take care of the family, and to perform other miscellaneous domesti c chores. Yet, Sophocles also defines the place of a woman in his tragedies: Oedipus the King and Antigone. Women were respected as very powerful and dignified individuals, but at the same time were forbiddenRead MoreThe Chorus Of Sophocles Antigone2400 Words   |  10 Pagesof Antigone, Sophocles had participated in one of these festivals and won the award for his performance. He did not become known as one of the greatest playwrights then. Only now is he thought of as one of the greatest playwrights during the greek era. The point of this paper is to show how the chorus in Greek Theater tragedy performances affect the way the play Antigone is performed. Through the use of mask, staging, and speech, Sophocles best distinguishes the chorus. Sophocles most famous