Analysis
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The article analyzes the class and social divisions in Athens, Greece in the fifth century based on the conflict arising from the burial of legendary character Polyneices in the play "Antigone," by Sophocles.
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The aura of Antigone envelops law as no other work of art in the history of Western civilization. In no other work of art are so many divergent understandings of law to be found in such direct, dynamic opposition to one another.
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The Antigone is certainly a play of antitheses and conflicts, and this state of conflict is embodied in the presence on stage of two protagonists, each diametrically opposed to the other.
Interpretations
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Bertolt Brecht's adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone, first performed in Switzerland in 1948, presents an interesting combination of ancient and contemporary elements. In this paper I
shall describe and attempt to explain the playwright's handling of his material. -
The Antigone story, timeless in its impact and relevance, has been used by many twentieth century playwrights in an attempt to set an ancient theme in a viable contemporary form.
Literary Criticism
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Most contemporary political theorists who have interpreted Sophocles' Antigone have focused on the fearsome clash between Antigone and Creon. The relationship between Antigone and her weaker, more cautious sister Ismene has not
garnered similar attention. -
In early Sophocles the chorus's contribution comes primarily through reflective lyric song (and dance); in late Sophocles, however, it is more dramatic and interactive. This transition in its relation to the actors shows that the chorus occupied an evolving position between its lyric and dramatic functions.