The Role of Women in Antigone :: Literary Analysis, Sophocles

One of the conflicts in Antigone, is the struggle between men and women. Ismene tells Antigone that since birth, women were not born to contend with men, (75) displaying womens obedience and passivity. In the same passage, Ismene says were underlings, ruled by stronger hands, (76) a representation of mens offensive and stronger hands that dominate women and treats them as second-class citizens. The only woman in Thebes who desires to break free from these chains is Antigone, who stands up against Ismenes passivity prod her to submit to this, (77) and defy Creon by burying Polynices. By breaking Creons edict, Antigone challenges the traditional sexual practice roles women and men play. In what ways does the theme of sex activity in Antigone, demonstrate the passion and choices behind Antigone and Ismenes decisions? Ismene believes that women are underlings (76) and not contending with men (76) because she knows that men will always control society. This viewpoint of mens dom ination of women depicts Ismene to be submissive to males while cosmos awful of mens authority. Ismene is unable to hit control over her component part and decisions because she is fearful of mens power over women, which leads to her refusing to bury Polynices. afterwards in the play, Ismene questions Creons judgment by saying youd slay your own sons bride? (641) which indicates that she is now aware that woman should have a voice and power in society. Her new understanding of Antigones message gives her the strength to query Creon, while additionally highlighting his cruelty. Ismenes original belief of submiting to this (77) and being a proper Greek girl, lastly transforms into becoming an advocate for Antigone. Her transformation defies mens authority, the opposite of what she employ to believe in. Antigone believes that a woman should be intrepid and strong, even at the risk of challenging mens authority. When she proposes to bury Polynices, Ismene answers, were not born to contend with men. (75) Antigones response, that death will be a glory (86), does not directly address gender issues, only when it expresses her fury at Ismenes passivity. After the burial of Polynices, Antigone defiantly states, I did it. I dont deny a thing, while being interrogated by Creon (492) and later comments that she was not ashamed for a moment, not to adore my brother. (572-3) Antigones gallant speech and defiance toward traditional gender identities audaciously shows her revolutionary desire for gender equality.