Question

Explain how the conflict between divine and human authority is resolved, how theme is revealed through resolution, and what you can learn about the ancient Greek culture through a theme from the play Antigone.

Answer 1

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:

The conflict between divine authority and human authority is resolved through the fulfillment of the prophecy with the deaths of Haemon and Eurydice. The resolution reveals a powerful theme: The ultimate authority rests in divine law, so devine entities demand obedience and respect. The theme sheds light on the value the ancient Greeks placed on their relationship with the gods.

Answer 2

I simply read the summary and some analysis of Antigone.

Antigone put the laws of god and her loyalty to her family above human authority. She blatantly disregarded Creon's rule of not burying the dead Polyneices, her brother. Though, there are times that divine interventions were done to protect Antigone from being discovered, she was still caught going against the king's edict. However, she welcomed death because she believes that she has done well in obeying the divine laws of the gods.

In Ancient Greek, it was a patriarchal society. Men were held of high esteem while women were limited to their roles as home makers. They believe in fate and free will but regardless of their choices in life, their destined fate will always come true. Also, it would seem as though suicide is a normal occurrence to them. If one is no longer happy with one's life, one can simply decide his or her own life.