Antigone

Antigone is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles one of the great playwrights of ancient Greece. It was first performed in Athens in 441 BC and is based on the mythological character Antigone the daughter of Oedipus. The play is set in the aftermath of a civil war in Thebes and follows the story of Antigone who defies the orders of her uncle Creon the new king of Thebes and buries her brother Polynices who fought against the city and was declared a traitor. Creon forbids anyone from burying Polynices and decrees that anyone who disobeys will be punished by death. As the play unfolds Antigone and Creon clash over their differing beliefs and values. Antigone is motivated by her sense of duty and loyalty to her family while Creon is driven by his desire to assert his authority and maintain order in Thebes. The play also features the characters of Haemon Creons son who is engaged to Antigone and the blind prophet Teiresias who warns Creon of the consequences of his actions. The play explores themes of loyalty justice and the consequences of pride and power. Sophocles portrays Antigone as a brave and determined character willing to risk her life to uphold her values while Creon is depicted as a flawed and stubborn ruler whose pride and stubbornness lead to his downfall.