What do birds symbolize in Antigone?

2 years ago

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Sophocles uses the motif of birds to foreshadow the future actions in the play. The description of birds is used throughout the play to illustrate Polynices’ irony, Antigone’s love, and Creon’s consequences for his actions.

What are some symbols in Antigone?

The main symbol in ”Antigone” is the stone tomb. For Creon, it represents being true to the living state and rulers, instead of the dead ones. For the gods, this tomb represents dishonor and disregard for them. Other symbols in ”Antigone” include money, as Creon believes that greed must lead people.

What does Ismene symbolize in Antigone?

Both Ismene and Antigone represent filial duty in Oedipus at Colonus, but Ismene takes the less heroic role. Unlike Antigone, Ismene, it seems, has a nearly normal, stable life. She does not serve her father’s needs or share his danger daily, as does Antigone.

What are the allusions in Antigone?

Allusions to Captivity

As Antigone makes her way to the cave where she is being sent to captivity, allusions are made to other gods and goddesses who have suffered the same fate. Antigone references Niobe, a former Queen of Thebes that turned her into a tear-shedding, stone column because of her ego.

What is the irony in Antigone?

Our Greek writer makes use of irony as a murder weapon in Antigone. Creon, who had lost his entire family to suicide because of his arrogance, and Antigone, whose bravery cost her her life. The irony is what killed both our protagonist and our antagonist, ironically.

What does Creon represent?

Rather, he represents the very real power of human law and of the human need for an orderly, stable society. When we first see Creon in Oedipus the King, Creon is shown to be separate from the citizens of Thebes.

What are the themes in Antigone?

Fate and Free Will

A central theme of Antigone is the tension between individual action and fate. While free choices, such as Antigone’s decision to defy Creon’s edict, are significant, fate is responsible for ma…

What is Ismene’s tragic flaw?

Her tragic flaw is that she has hubris, which is excessive pride, and that leads her to be unbending. Ironically, Antigone means unbending in Greek. Because she is unbending, she will not denounce her decision to bury Polynices. This angers Creon, so he sentences her to death.

Why is Ismene weak?

While Ismene is a caring and compassionate person, she is weak in nature, too afraid to buck against the system or stand up for herself and her family. She is loyal to her sister, Antigone, in keeping her secret, but she is too lawful to help her bury their brother.