Principles to die for (Antigone)

Rebellion. Much comes to mind when such buzz words are mentioned. A category of such has applied to the broadest range of things out there. Anything from art to society has experienced rebellion. All races, genders, and backgrounds have had one to rebel. However all forms of rebellion have one thing in common. This common factor is the fact that they are all executed with a motive based on principle. To rebel is a true test of principle and character. In the story Antigone by Sophocles, the main character Antigone has many traits revealed of her through her rebellious actions and dialogue with her sister Ismene.

Antigone decides to rebel against the current ruler of Thebes, Creon, by performing a burial ritual for her brother Polyneices. The fact that Antigone is willing to risk her life to perform the ritual for her brother shows that she is one of strong principle. In burying her brother she believes that “it will be good to die, doing so”. Her tie to her family is so strong that the punishment of death is not enough to keep her from giving her brother a proper burial. This shows a light of character in that she is one to believe so hard in things that she is willing to give her life proving it. It takes a lot of courage to commit to such an act. This trait is rare in female characters; which puts Antigone in a position to stand out beyond other women of her time. It is even brought to light when Ismene says “you ought to realize we are only women, not meant in nature to fight against men.” With this said, and her actions performed, Antigone is without a doubt a very courageous person who has strong belief in her principles. The fact that Antigone is willing to do such an act for her brother shows that she had a close relationship with him when he was alive. She even says “I shall lay by his side, loving him as he loved me”. Antigone has had a very close relation with her brother. Not many people would be willing to risk their lives to pay such respect to just any person.

From the first installment of reading, it can be inferred that Antigone is a person of strong principle. Principle strong enough to die for. It also shows that she has had a very close relation with her brother when he was alive; which could for tell that certain principles about family are going to arise. Antigone is also very courageous because she is a women willing to take on the man.