Antigone Gender Roles

Gender and its roles are exposed in the story of Antigone as the central themes. Roles and rules are set and followed by several people in this era, this is appreciated in this text. Ideas of contradiction to these rules were not explored. In Greek mythology, several women held positions of power, but none of these women were human, making the idea of a powerful woman godlike and unattainable, as if to keep woman in their place, which of course, was always under the rule of the superior gender, the male. To challenge a patriarchy with feminism was dangerous, for both sexes were equally protective of it, leaving the challenger desolate in the battle against it. To rely on women to help other women rebel against this social norm was not probable, in the contrary, women held each other accountable for complying to these rules and punished those who didn’t. Women were their gender’s prevalent critics and suppressors, not only because they feared the repercussions, but since they didn’t have the means to rebel against it.

To start, Antigone was written by Sophocles to make the people question their faith in both their religion and their government. Putting a young woman in a position in which she had to choose between staying loyal to her country and staying loyal to the gods, Sophocles showed the men of Athens in their comfortable lives that there wasn’t always a simple solution to all of life’s problems. It is important to note that it was only the men of Athens that were shown because they were the only ones that were able to see this remarkable play because of its depiction of women, specifically through Antigone. In a way, if women had been able to see this play, being

Although ancient Greece was a male-dominant society, Sophocles’ Antigone portrays women as being strong and capable of making wise decisions. Antigone, the tragic heroine, rejects the traditional role of women. As such, Sophocles punishes Ismene for embodying traditional attitude. Moreover, Creon is punished for misogyny. Sophocles, accordingly, uses characterization to promote feminist ideas.

Before Antigone begins, the two brothers of Antigone are engaged in a battle no only of land, but of power. Their deep desires to rule Thebes and male dominating ego, only lead to their deaths; a tragedy that would affect more than just themselves. The battle of glory for men would not be the same for their sisters, but in 442 B.C. as Sophocles illustrates, the living women would have to deal with the tragedies of the dead; a task not easy to be burdened with as woman. Their uncle, Creon, dominates Antigone and her sister Ismene to the extent of mourning their own brother's death. Antigone has chosen a fate without glory: "I'll suffer nothing as great as death without glory," (Antigone line 112). Only a male in this time could die with honor and glory, and just as her uncle has forced a death without glory for her brother, although a glorious death is honorable, she has decided it a better life to die without glory than dishonor her blood and the gods. Ismene does not wish to go against the laws of her uncle, for "women were not born to contend with men," but between the bond of her and Antigone, she will defy the king(line 75). Ismene is just as horrified about the edict as Antigone is, but asks what they--weak women--can do. During this era the women had a specific role, and to defy that role would be horrific enough, despite

The playwright argues that women of Greece were not nearly as incapable and weak as the culture believed them to be. Antigone stands for the highest ideals of the time; courage and respect for the gods and in her dissent, causes Creon to witness the consequences of his decree, thus solving the whole problem. In a response to Creon's belief that the ‘good' of man should come before the rules of the gods, Antigone says, "It was not Zeus who published this decree, nor have the powers who rule among the dead imposed such laws as this upon mankind; nor could I think that a decree of yours- a man-could override the laws of Heaven, unwritten and unchanged"(Sophocles 450-455). Right or wrong, and both pretty and dead at the end, she nevertheless provides a clear example of what women can do when they are trusted with power, rather than kept at

Women have normally been portrayed as people who aren’t as capable as men. It wasn’t until the last few decades that the feminist movement has poked a hole in gender roles. Thinking of this, it’s assumed that in fifth century Greece women were used to home life, would usually follow these gender roles, and didn’t have much of an authoritative voice in their home or society. Sophocles portrayed Antigone as depending on men in his tragedy Oedipus at Colonus, while Aeschylus broke the gender barrier and had Clytemnestra be a face of Agamemnon’s feminism. This difference in these women’s voices could possibly show how the Sophocles and Aeschylus felt about women in power at the time and/or merely just be to add to the plot. How women are portrayed in Agamemnon and Oedipus at Colonus shows the use of strong, or lacking, female authority and voice in the 5th century.

Modern day America considers women equal to men. From childhood, girls, like boys, receive an education in order to pursue their own individual interests which eventually lead to a life filled with opportunity. With hard work, women can become teachers, scientists, government officials or whatever they dream. Young students of history and literature may be surprised to realize that females were not always viewed as they are in American society today. Homer’s Greek epic, The Odyssey, portrays women as inferior to men because they are untrustworthy and cause pain.

The role of women in ancient greece was very straightforward and limited, but would be considered deplorable by today's standards. There were three places for women in society: housewives whose only purpose is to obey the male figures and raise children, a slave, and hetaria[Yousaf-Duncan]. Women were seen as property and had no rights. The character Antigone in the book Antigone by Sophocles disregards all of the standards and expectations set for them during that time period. This is considered as heinous as she disobeyed a order of the king.

The Extremities of Gender Roles: An Analysis of the Ismene’s Purpose in Antigone The discussion of gender norms seems to be a fairly new phenomenon, occurring within the last century or so. However, the Ancient Greek play Antigone by Sophocles offers an antique critique of gender roles through the battle of the young, stubborn heroine Antigone and the insecure, new King Creon. The play reflects the unending determination of a woman who is willing to stand up for what she believes, even though the law and society has prohibited it.

Antigone’s actions are extremely affected by her gender as she examines the contrast between the nature expected of women and the realism of the roles they play in society. During the era when the famous Greek tragedies were written, a social norm was set upon women to be subordinate to men, and was hardly challenged or questioned. The freedom of these women was limited. Antigone however, is quite an outspoken girl and her uprising is threatening because it upsets the hierarchy and set gender roles of society. Antigone expresses, “No,

In Antigone, Sophocles examines gender roles and expectations of Ancient Greece through the contrast between conformity and individuality.

Throughout ancient human history, men and women held vastly different roles. Women were often given the duty of bearing and raising children, whereas men were expected to fight, provide an income, and protect the household. Women were seen as totally inferior to men and described by Euripedes as “a curse to mankind” and “a plague worse than fire or any viper.” However, this misogynistic view of women and designated role of inferiority was not apparent in every ancient civilization. The role of the female in ancient Greek history can best be explored and contrasted between two important civilizations: The Spartans and the Athenians. The Spartan women were incredibly advanced for their time, and the Athenian women were drastically far behind. Both the Spartan and Athenian women held roles at home and lived lives far removed from the men of their societies. However, their lives were much different. While the Spartan women were strong and educated, the Athenian women held a status almost equal to slavery. The Spartan women were far more advanced than Athenians in aspects of life including education, athleticism, and independence.

            Before comparing the women of the Odyssey to those of Athens, it is beneficial to take a look into the lives of the latter.  A respected woman was to have characteristics including obedience, virtue, refinement, productivity, honor, beauty, talent and intelligence (social consciousness).  Sarah B. Pomeroy has studied this aspect of ancient life and

The role of women in ancient Greek life was insignificant compared to that of Greek men. A woman's job was to take care of the children and to cook and clean unless she had servants or slaves that would do it for her. Yet, in Greek mythology, women were often written as major characters. Well-known Greek plays contain many well-written, complex, female characters. Female individuals in Greek mythology were often seen as very powerful and fierce and were depicted by “her wits, her beauty, or her bad deeds.”

In Sophocles’ Antigone, gender roles are a major conflicting theme throughout the entire play. The setting of the play was written during the Greek mythological days, around 442 B.C. During these days, men were dominant and held all of the power, so women were automatically treated as less. Antigone and Creon portray the conflicting sides between male and female, and Ismene and Haemon portray opposing sides to Antigone and Creon’s actions. Antigone, Ismene, Creon, and Haemon each show differences in behavior due to their sex versus the actions each character chooses to take. Antigone tells Ismene about her plans to bury their brother, Polynices, which is going against Creon’s orders. Antigone and Ismene, have contrasting perspectives on