Big Concept: Family
'Antigone' by Sophocles
HOW IT IS RELATED
In the prologue, Antigone goes against the laws and the orders of the new King, Creon, to bury her deceased brother. She does this out of her love for him and expects her sister, Ismene, to help her. Although she doesn't help because of her fear of being punished her fear for her sister soon grows greater and she tries to take some of the blame. This shows Ismene's love and even some guilt for not helping in the burial of her brother. But, Antigone refuses the aid and instead shows pride in her righteous actions and love for her unorthodox family. Later, in her prison she commits suicide wishing to be with her family once more, leaving Haimon to grieve and kill himself after her. After his death, his mother commits suicide as well, crying over her two lost sons.
Quotes
"He is my brother. and he is your brother too." (Antigone, prologue)
"That must be your excuse, I suppose. But as for me,
I will bury the brother I love." (Antigone, prologue)
"Do you refuse me, Antigone? I want to die with you" (Ismene, scene 2)
"What do I care for life when you are dead?" (Ismene, scene 2)
"No marriage means more to me than your continuing wisdom." (Haimon, scene 3)
"Soon I shall be with my own again
Where Persephone welcome the thin ghost underground:
And I shall see my father again, and you, mother,
and dearest Polyneices-
dearest indeed" (Antigone, scene 4)