In Oedipus at Colonus, Polynices represents the son who wishes to reconcile with his father for self-serving reasons. Wily and somewhat shameless, Polynices dares to compare himself with his father, Oedipus, as a fellow outcast — this, despite the fact that Polynices is in part responsible for Oedipus’ banishment. The […]
Read more Character Analysis PolynicesCharacter Analysis Ismene
As Oedipus’ other daughter — the more prominent being Antigone — Ismene represents primarily a complement and contrast to her sister. In Oedipus at Colonus, Ismene serves her father mostly as an information gatherer, a resident of Thebes who can bring her wandering father and sister news of their home […]
Read more Character Analysis IsmeneCharacter Analysis Antigone
With the character of Antigone, the reader of the Oedipus Trilogy might get a false impression of watching a young girl grow up, as in a novel or a true series of related plays. Remember that each play of the Oedipus Trilogy stands on its own. Although the stories of […]
Read more Character Analysis AntigoneCharacter Analysis Creon
Perhaps more than any other figure in the Oedipus Trilogy, Creon, Oedipus’ brother-in-law, seems to be a very different character in each of the plays. In Oedipus the King, Creon embodies the voice of reason. As Oedipus storms, Creon maintains his calm; when Oedipus cries out to be banished, Creon […]
Read more Character Analysis CreonCharacter Analysis Oedipus
Born from myth, Sophocles’ Oedipus figures as the tragic hero who kills his father and marries his mother. A victim of fate vilified by all, he discovers his own corruption and tears out his eyes in self-punishment — a symbolic castration for his incestuous sin. The keynote of Oedipus’ character […]
Read more Character Analysis OedipusSummary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1274-1470
Summary A messenger announces that Antigone has hanged herself and that Haemon, agonized at her death, has also killed himself. On hearing the news, Eurydice, the queen, retreats into the palace where she, too, kills herself after cursing her husband, Creon. Mourning his wife and son, Creon blames himself for […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1274-1470Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1238-1273
Summary The elders rejoice at Creon’s decision in a paean, or joyful song, to Dionysus. Analysis The ecstasy of the chorus imitates the frenzy of Dionysian worship. Exultation wells up at this pivotal moment in the play, as Creon at last yields and seeks to repair the damage his pride […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1238-1273Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1090-1237
Summary Tiresias warns Creon that the gods disapprove of the desecration of Polynices’ corpse and will punish him with the death of his own son, Haemon. Creon dismisses Tiresias in anger, accusing him, like the sentry, of taking bribes, but declares his determination to bury Polynices and free Antigone. Analysis […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1090-1237Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1035-1089
Summary The elders chant an ode about heroes and heroines who endured terrible punishments at the hands of Fate. Analysis After finding fault with Antigone for comparing herself to the gods, the elders choose their own legendary figures to compare to Antigone. Danae’s cruel imprisonment in a tower mirrors Antigone’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 1035-1089Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 970-1034
Summary Before Creon orders the guards to take her away to her death, Antigone reflects on her decision to bury her brother and its sad consequences. Analysis In the culmination of the continuing theme of loving Death, Antigone calls the chamber where she will be buried alive “my bridal-bed” (978). […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: Antigone Lines 970-1034