Essay: How does the
Sophocles foreshadow the tragedy at the end of the play through connecting the
play with the citizens’ beliefs?
In the play Antigone, written by Sophocles, the mention of
Gods in characters’ speeches as well as in the chorus highlights the strong religious
beliefs in Gods within the Greek citizens of Thebes. By connecting the devices
of characterisation of Creon and Antigone, and chorus with the beliefs of the
citizens of Thebes, Sophocles is able to emphasise the device of prolepsis of
the tragedy at the end of the play.
Creon’s characterisation is portrayed as self-motivated and
egotistic through his argument with Haemon about Antigone’s action. As the quarrel
continues, Creon states, “Am I to rule this land for others – or myself?” The
diction of “myself” explicitly clarifies his selfishness as a king is expected
to always consider for his citizens, not for himself. The constant use of
hyperbole in his speeches such as through the phrase, “she destroys cities”
(exaggerating Antigone’s crime) explains that by devaluing people around him,
Creon can feel the importance of an authority satisfying his ego. However, the
Greek people believe that Gods consider ego along with selfishness as a sin.
The chorus implicitly mentions about “delusion, blithe” and “ . . . unaware till
he trips and puts his foot into the fire” which implies the result of ego. The
words “delusion” and “blithe” demonstrate that ego blinds Creon and
hallucinated him with his content in being an absolutely powerful king with all
the people of Thebes being under his control. Nevertheless, the use of ellipsis
acts as a turning point in the speech as the outcome of ego is revealed within
the chorus’s mind. Creon then will then become from “unaware” to aware as “he
trips” but the realisation is too late which results to “foot in fire” which
implies the punishment Creon will receive which is to lose all of his family
members. The punishment by God serves as an irony due to the fact that Creon is
also the one who insults Antigone’s family members, her brother, Polynices.
Consequently, the belief is illustrated that the payback price is determined by
the same degree of sin committed (ego).
Anitgone is a rebellious woman character against Creon, the
king of Thebes, due to her strong beliefs in Gods. She violated Creon’s law
being aware that the punishment will certainly be dead. During her conversation
with Ismene, she states that, “death will be glory” for her which suggests that
Antigone believes that Gods witness everything and will glorify her for
actions. The belief of Gods watching everything in Greece can also be the
reason leading to democracy as there is no point in hiding the true feelings
while God knows everything. Therefore, Antigone bravely admits her action
violating the laws with pride. The Greek audience would also agree with
Antigone as Greek people believe a mortal human can never be compared or even
win over the Gods which devalues Creon in the audience’s eye creating dramatic
irony – builds up sympathy towards Antigone. Nonetheless, although the chorus
mentions about Antigone’s being the “last root” highlighting her toughness,
there is no praise for Antigone in the chorus’s speeches. Even though Haemon
reports about the rumours of Antigone deserving glory while the audience may
find the source unreliable due to his passionate love with Antigone, there is no
real evidence that the Greek citizens praising her actions. On the other hand,
the speech after Antigone being escorted out of the palace takes place when
Creon is present, which may outline that the chorus’s real thoughts are still
locked by fear for Creon as no one dares to taking on Antigone’s side. If that
is the real situation, Haemon’s report of the rumours can possibly be true
hinting that Creon will change his mind of not killing Antigone. However,
because every citizen is overcome by fear except for Haemon, it forebodes that
Creon may not be able to save Antigone in time which also foreshadows the
following death of Haemon.
Overall, the device of prolepsis is portrayed successfully
by Sophocles by connecting the Greek beliefs with the play. Through the
characterisation fo Creon and Antigone, and the use of chorus, every punishment
and outcome of the play can be predicted adding dramatic tension to the scenes
within the play as the audience may expect something else or proving their
predictions are right which attracts the audience’s attention throughout the
entire play.
No comments:
Post a Comment