Essay about the theme of Independence in Antigone

Essay by eryka_sMiddle School, 6th grade June 2004

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Antigone is the main character in the tragic play that is looking for her independence. Her main quest for independence is to bury her brother. "Ismene, I am going to bury him."(pg 492, line 31) She wants independence form the law. The law says she mustn't give her brother a proper burial, but Antigone believes that her brother deserves the burial. Antigone basically does what she feels is right not what anyone else thinks, and this is her quest for independence, to be able to do what she believes in.

One conflict that gets in her way to her quest for independence is her sister, Ismene. Antigone asks Ismene to come with her, but Ismene refuses. Ismene tries to convince Antigone not to do it. But Antigone does what she wants to because she is an independent spirit. Antigone calls her sister a trader to the family and realizes that she is alone in her thoughts about going against the law.

"If this is what you think, I should not want you, even if you asked to come. But I will bury him, and if I must die, I say this crime is holy: I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me."(Pg493 line 53-58) Later when Creon finds out that Antigone buried her brother he sentences Antigone to death. Ismene shows up begging Antigone for forgiveness and asking to share her punishment with her. Antigone set in her ways says no, that Ismene didn't help her with the crime so she can not die with her. Antigone was independent in her crime and she will be independent in her punishment. "No, Ismene. You have no right to say so. You would not help me,