Pub One: Antigone Debate

Antigone Debate

In Antigone by Sophocles, there is a large emphasis on gender bias. Throughout the entirety of history, women were viewed as subordinate in different cultures all around the world. Antigone herself is a strong-minded character, but due to her gender, she is at a disadvantage in the eyes of Creon. In a patriarchal society, which was prominent at the time Antigone was written, a woman openly challenging the authority of a male ruler could be seen as particularly daring and unconventional. There is evidence within the play that the conflict between Creon and Antigone is related to their genders and Creon does have a gender bias that is displayed within the entire play. The play also reinforces traditional gender roles, with male characters like Creon holding positions of political power, while female characters like Antigone and Ismene are primarily concerned with familial and domestic matters. The societal expectations for men and women are implicitly present in the characters' roles and behaviors.

Antigone going against the ruling to not bury Polyneices was daring enough, but the fact she was a woman also played a part in Creon’s hostility towards the whole situation. Antigone’s act of burying her brother was so daring that even the Sentry initially believed that the person who buried Polyneices was a man. The Sentry breaks the news to Creon by stating, “He scattered on the skin some thirsty dust; he did the ritual” (Sentry, 269-270). This is significant in the play because it shows that during this time, women would not rebel against men or leaders’ orders. It was almost impossible to believe that a woman could commit an act that went against a leader’s rule. Even Creon did not believe it was a woman, he believed it was multiple men who went against his ruling. Creon stated, “I am very sure that these men hired others to do this thing” (Creon, 325-325). The idea that a woman would commit such an act of disobeying authority was unfathomable to Creon and the Sentry.

The fact that Antigone was a female brought even more anger to Creon. Creon already felt betrayed by having someone break his rule, but the fact it was a woman made it worse for him overall. Creon states, “I am no man, and she the man if she can win this and not pay for it" (Creon, 528-529). He feels as though if he does not follow through with the punishment he put for burying Polyneices, he is not a man. His masculinity is diminished if he cannot follow through with his own words which is part of the reason that pride consumes him. He seems to be more concerned with maintaining his authority and the stability of the state than with understanding the emotional and moral complexities faced by the female characters. Although Creon and Antigone are related through blood, he will not let a woman go against what he says. Her gender is a big part of why Creon feels the need to follow through with what he says. Creon also goes out of his way to mention the fact that Antigone is a woman. Creon says, “Here are two girls; I think that one of them has suddenly lost her wits-the other was always so” (Creon, 615-616). He is comparing Antigone and Ismene, but bringing up the fact that they are both women. Gender bias is very prevalent when it comes to Creon needing to punish Antigone for burying Polyneices.

Creon himself is a large believer in the patriarchy. In line 577, Creon states “when I am alive no woman shall rule.” Creon's leadership style can be interpreted as reflecting a patriarchal mindset. His refusal to listen to Antigone and his harsh punishment for her actions can be seen as a reflection of the power dynamics between men and women in ancient Greek society. Creon embodies the patriarchal authority of ancient Greek society. As the king, he holds a position of power, and his decisions are expected to be unquestionably obeyed, no matter what they are. This patriarchal structure contributes to a gender bias where men like Creon are assumed to have the right to dictate societal norms and laws. Creon's harsh stance against Antigone is influenced by a desire to assert his dominance over a woman who defied his leadership, reinforcing the gender dynamics of the time.

While Creon's actions and decisions in "Antigone" are primarily driven by political and moral considerations, examining him through the lens of gender reveals elements of bias that were the societal norms of ancient Greece. Creon's interactions with the female characters and his response to challenges from women contribute to a broader understanding of gender dynamics in the play. His patriarchal leadership and gender bias are a large reason why he punished Antigone so harshly by sentencing her to death, even though she was considered family.

Work Cited

Sophocles. Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus.