Ismene And Antigone Essay - 1331 Words

The ancient Greek world does not look favorably on women. Women are seen as docile, unintelligent, and domestic. Placed socially below men, they are locked into tending to household duties and to their children, and can not go out without a man. Women are not expected to be educated or participate in political discussion, with the exception of knowing just enough to be able to be entertaining at a dinner party and not embarrass her husband. Lacking in political and social rights, women do not have many chances to hold a political or social lime light, and are expected to stay in the background while the men took the forefront. However, there are a handful of texts in Greek literature that showcase the opposite, and put female lead†¦show more content†¦I have no strength for that† (page 63, line 93) and after expressing her disapproval in Antigone’s actions, says, â€Å"you’re so rash- I’m so afraid for you!† (page 63, line 96). In contrast, her sister argues with her, telling her, â€Å"you have your excuses. I am on my way† (page 93, line 94). This quote demonstrates how she believes that she should not conform to a submissive role but rather go against the accepted norm and live her own morals out. Antigone later goes on to fight with Creon, saying, â€Å"your moralizing repels me, every word you say† (page 84, lines 557-558), and â€Å"[I am] not ashamed for a moment† (page 84, line 573). Antigone unapologetically goes against the law, and therefore the male figures in charge, by breaking a state-wide decree and burying her brother. While Ismene represents how women are supposed to act in this society, Antigone acts directly against these standards. In Medea, the foil characters are Glauce and Medea. Glauce is Jason’s new wife and daughter of King Creon, making her a princess. She is obedient and used by Jason as an object of sexual desire without protest. In fact, she has no lines in th e play, symbolic of her subservient and silent nature. On the other hand, Medea is loud and antagonistic. She clearly states her hatred for the role women are forced into, saying, â€Å"we women are the most pathetic†¦ we have to buy a husband† (page 12, lines 232-233) and â€Å"we must rely on just one single soul (ourShow MoreRelatedAntigone And Ismene Essay1635 Words   |  7 PagesDiscuss the differences between Antigone and Ismene in their views of women in society. How does each sister’s view shape the choices she makes in the play? How consistent is each, in her view? The play Antigone, written by Sophocles is the last book of his trilogy called The Oedipus Play of Sophocle. 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In Antigone, by Sophocles, there is conflict between the characters Antigone and Creon. Antigone is characterized as a rebellious girl, who turns into a martyr, and just lost both her brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, in a war between the city-statesRead MoreEssay about Gender Bias Critic of Antigone1724 Words   |  7 PagesA Gender Bias Approach to Antigone Just as one stone removed can break a bridge, one flaw can bring a man to ruins. The flaw of one man cannot bring down an entire kingdom, but rather one outlook of the king can lead to the demise of the whole. In Sophocles epic tragedy, Antigone, a strong gender bias is present throughout the tragedy, and is partially responsible for the downfall of the king. To Sophocles the king is not always representative of the people, but acts on his own personal desires