Travis Hiland
1. In Antigone, two female figures are represented in two sisters, Antigone and Ismene. Are these characters allowed feelings and thoughts that go beyond what might be regarded as “typical” or even “appropriate” for that gender?
2. In Antigone, how are displays of power and privilege demonstrated, and are these displays monopolized by a gender?
One thing that stood out to me was that part of Creon's rage sprang from the fact that the person defying him was a woman. This wounded his pride and made him react even more strongly.
For example, he says, "Now if she thus can flout authority/ Unpunished, I am woman, she the man." He sees it as the right of a man to rule over a woman and if she won't yield to his authority, he is emasculated.
Later, when she explains that she acted out of love for her brother, he replies, "Die then, and love the dead if thou must;/ No woman shall be the master while I live." Some men's hearts would have been softened when facing a woman in distress, but Antigone's womanhood only seemed to enrage Creon more.
Travis Hiland
Actions for reply by Travis Hiland
Yes, yes. These are terrific lines. Some of my favorite because they illustrate artfully and powerfully in a handful of words the mind, attitude, and character of the figure of Creon. I suppose I'm responding to Sophocles (and translator) the artist and poet, rather than to Feminist criticism. Couldn't help myself :)
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