Women nowadays are considered remarkable, courageous, and amazing if they are determined to stand up for a good cause. For some, taking the stand will help them, others, consequences being harsh and painful, will follow. Antigone, sister of the honoured Eteocles and dishonoured Polynices, stands up to the ruler Creon by burying her bother Polynices. By doing so, showing how determined she is and the terrible consequences of her actions.
My thesis contains two concepts, determination and consequences of actions. Consequences of actions can be shown by the example of the separation of the United States during the Civil War. Thousands of deaths were the consequences of the war and unpleasant thoughts towards the opposite side. An example of determinations is when Abraham Lincoln tried his best to join the Confederate States of America back with the Republic (The Union). Also, when Lincoln tried – and succeeded – to give slaves their freedom.
When the Vikings traveled all about the continents, it took determination to endure the harsh, cold weather changes. Also, if a student wants to make a B or an A on a semester exam, they will study extremely hard and will be determined to make that a grade. Consequences are given when you do something outrageously – or just simply – stupid, something you wish you could take back or do over again, but can’t. So, all you can do is accept what you did, take the consequences as best you can and keep trudging onward.
Sophlces, known for writing tragedies and romances, as well as, plays that were enjoyed during his time. Even after his death, the plays were acted out and liked. They have been passes down decades and decades and will keep doing so.
Antigone sticks to her guns – so to speak – throughout the entire play. She buries her brother against Creon’s (the ruler) orders. In honour of the gods wishes and motivation of love, she was willing to take whatever would happen to her:
‘…let me and my foolish plans suffer this terrible thing, for I shall succumb to nothing so awful as a shameful death.’ (‘Antigone’, pg 17)
Antigone, willingly defied Creon, knowing she would most likely die. When she was found dead, (not by any other, but her own hand) she was mourned by Heamon, her betrothed. With the love Heamon possessed for her, he tried to gain revenge by killing his father, Creon. Sadly, the attempt failed, so by the despair and love Heamon had for Antigone, he killed himself. As a chain reaction, so did his mother after finding out her son had committed suicide, thus leaving Creon to his anguish and hopelessness.
In a world where a character trait such as being determined is admired, it is fascinating to see the consequences of those actions. Our lives today would not be the same if there were not determined people, nor any consequences of actions. The play of ‘Antigone’ is a tremendous example of both concepts mentioned above. The question is, are you determine in your life enough to accept whatever the consequences of your actions?
