Final answer:
In Sophocles' 'Antigone', Polyneices is portrayed sympathetically by Antigone, who emphasizes familial duty, while the chorus depicts him as a villain due to his actions against Thebes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contrasting Views of Polyneices
In Sophocles' tragedy Antigone, Polyneices is portrayed in contrasting ways that may affect our opinion of both him and Antigone's position. Antigone views her brother with compassion, emphasizing familial ties, loyalty, and the sanctity of burial rites.
During her discussion with Ismene, Antigone expresses deep grief for her brothers and is determined to ensure Polyneices receives proper burial rites, as dictated by the eternal laws of right and wrong. In contrast, the chorus of Thebans presents Polyneices as a traitor and enemy to the state for his attack on Thebes.
This negative depiction aligns with Creon's edict prohibiting Polyneices' burial. While reviewing these perspectives, it is important to consider Sophocles' approach to tragedy, the character's motivations, and the play's moral and cultural context.
Antigone's Devotion vs. The State's Condemnation
The initial dialogue presents Antigone as steadfast in her responsibility towards her brother's burial, illustrating her unwavering devotion and the conflict with Creon's laws. The chorus then vividly describes the previous night's battle and Polyneices' role in it, painting him as a villainous figure.
This sharp contrast sets the stage for the moral dilemma central to the tragedy, highlighting the tension between individual duties and state laws. When comparing Antigone's discussion of Polyneices with the chorus' depiction, one might find a deeper understanding of Sophocles' exploration of justice, loyalty, and the inevitable downfall of characters who unduly transgress societal norms.