I got a little testy about this Greek tragedy.
Yes, yes, I thought it was beautifully written and was greatly inspired by an almost anachronistic, strong female character, but NO MATTER!
I thought that the tragedy aspect.....was a little cheap.
Don't hate me.
I know I must be ridiculous, as this is a classic, ancient piece of literature that scholars have prized for centuries, and I must be missing a divine, earth-shaking aspect of the play because it wouldn't be so timeless and appreciated in academia as much.
But hear me out.
I was disturbed by the fact that the play seemed to just be an endless, unfair barrage of forces working against Antigone as she fought endlessly to Mourn Her Poor Brother.
The only flaw or mistake that Antigone possessed was her willingness to break a foolish law for the noble quest of honoring a loved one and appropriately coping with her grief.
Oedipus did not make me feel uneasy, because he had a character flaw that, wasn't necessarily his fault, but the tragic chain of events that befell him were because of his grave mistake. I felt a more genuine sorrow for Oedipus, and felt empathetic towards him in his internal conflict.
In Antigone, I was a little disenchanted with crying for poor Antigone, who was essentially flawless, and the victim of so much hardship. The story seemed to indulge in her victimization, and it was almost frustrating.
Maybe I'm missing something.
Despite my complaints, there were a few things about Antigone's character that truly attracted me, and perhaps aided in her victimization.
1) Her quest really was noble. She is a character that has been plagued with unfortunate circumstances, yet she still can find direction in her high regard of family honor. Also, despite doubts of her sister, she carries on in her quest without support.
2) Unlike most early literary female characters, especially those with fiancees, Antigone doesn't spend the whole play fawning over her dear husband. In fact, is is Haimon that we find hopelessly in love, and in the end, they do end up together. In the traditional tragic way, of course.
3) I love her purpose. She not only is a big indication of the importance of family and honor, but she also brings attention in the beginning to the fascinating topic of divine law vs. written law.
So maybe it isn't so bad being charmed into the Antigone pity party.
Yes, yes, I thought it was beautifully written and was greatly inspired by an almost anachronistic, strong female character, but NO MATTER!
I thought that the tragedy aspect.....was a little cheap.
Don't hate me.
I know I must be ridiculous, as this is a classic, ancient piece of literature that scholars have prized for centuries, and I must be missing a divine, earth-shaking aspect of the play because it wouldn't be so timeless and appreciated in academia as much.
But hear me out.
I was disturbed by the fact that the play seemed to just be an endless, unfair barrage of forces working against Antigone as she fought endlessly to Mourn Her Poor Brother.
The only flaw or mistake that Antigone possessed was her willingness to break a foolish law for the noble quest of honoring a loved one and appropriately coping with her grief.
Oedipus did not make me feel uneasy, because he had a character flaw that, wasn't necessarily his fault, but the tragic chain of events that befell him were because of his grave mistake. I felt a more genuine sorrow for Oedipus, and felt empathetic towards him in his internal conflict.
In Antigone, I was a little disenchanted with crying for poor Antigone, who was essentially flawless, and the victim of so much hardship. The story seemed to indulge in her victimization, and it was almost frustrating.
Maybe I'm missing something.
Despite my complaints, there were a few things about Antigone's character that truly attracted me, and perhaps aided in her victimization.
1) Her quest really was noble. She is a character that has been plagued with unfortunate circumstances, yet she still can find direction in her high regard of family honor. Also, despite doubts of her sister, she carries on in her quest without support.
2) Unlike most early literary female characters, especially those with fiancees, Antigone doesn't spend the whole play fawning over her dear husband. In fact, is is Haimon that we find hopelessly in love, and in the end, they do end up together. In the traditional tragic way, of course.
3) I love her purpose. She not only is a big indication of the importance of family and honor, but she also brings attention in the beginning to the fascinating topic of divine law vs. written law.
So maybe it isn't so bad being charmed into the Antigone pity party.