Often in works of literature, characters experience conflicts with other characters, society, nature, or
themselves.
From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character who experiences a conflict. In a
well-developed composition, identify the character, describe the conflict, and explain how the conflict is
important to the work of literature.
Literature often exposes the rift that exists between an individual and society, as well as celebrating the fruits
borne of this conflict. Sophocles’ tragic play Antigone vividly illustrates this theme. The play is the sorrowful tale of
Antigone, a young Greek maiden, and her struggle to bury her fallen brother, Polynices. Ostracized by her society,
abandoned by her kin, Antigone forges on. Her struggle proves not to be in vain, for her conflict will usher in progress.
Antigone’s dogged persistence is an early step on their long path to women’s liberation from restrictive patriarchal
societies. Her iron-will bends her cruel Uncle Creon’s tyrannical fiats, instilling hope in his oppressed subjects. Her
eventual martyrdom brings about Creon’s epiphany that he too has fatal flaws. In Antigone written by Sophocles,
Antigone is a lone warrior against an opponent her society presents, but her battle will benefit all.
Sophocles demonstrates in his earlier plays, (which depict her family’s painful demise), that Antigone is
accustomed to bitter struggle. Her family’s history is marred by patricide, incest, and war. After the death of her father,
King Oedipus, her fate becomes increasingly ominous. Blood is spilled once again when her two brothers, Euricides and
Polynices, die in a battle for kingship. Antigone’s egotistical Uncle Creon ascends to the throne, which further
compounds Antigone’s grief. Creon declares Polynices a traitor, and no citizen is to bury him under penalty of death.
Antigone believes that without a proper burial, her brother will never read the fabled after live. This strong belief
prevents her from allowing Polynices to become vulture fodder. Despite the fact that the kingdom has turned its
collective back on her brother, Antigone decides to bury him. She solicits help form her sister Ismene, only to be
shunned. Ismene did not wish to suffer society’s wrath for going against Creon. Antigone chooses to complete the
gargantuan task alone, disregarding Ismene’s reminds that “after all, we are only women” (Sophocles). Despite the fact
that she was raised in an environment in which men held all the power and women were merely house fixtures,
Antigone refuses to believe that her gender dictates her self worth. By burying her brother and following her own
initiative, Antigone sets an example. She proves to Ismene and all other women that it is possible to stand up to
oppression, even if one is female. This is a valuable lesson that future generations will draw strength from.
Antigone not only fills other women with a sense of awe, but posthumously wins the support of a once hostile
society. When Creon discovers that Antigone has disobeyed him, he threatens her with death. Antigone boldly stands
her ground, unwilling to sacrifice families’ ties for society of the sate. Creon is enraged by her refusal to conform to his
laws and society’s views, and sentences her to death. Antigone courageously accepts her punishment, and never
apologizes. This blatant audacity is a slap in the face to a totalitarian society in which one always submits to the
monarchy. Her spunk and courage helped make her a martyr. It gave the people strength to see that it was possible to
abide by one’s individual will, rather than only adhere to society’s doctrines.
Antigone’s conflict not only provided lessons for the masses, but prompted personal revelations as well. King
Creon, who was so vocally angered by Antigone’s insubordination, learned something form her. Only after Antigone’s
death did Creon realize the effect his lack of mercy would have. His own son, who was betrothed to Antigone, took his
own life after the death of his beloved, Creon discovered he had been so fixated on enforcing his law, he never realized
the full effect it would have on his own family. Antigone’s death brought to light Creon’s tragic flaws, his lack of
foresight and stubbornness. It was now Creon who had to struggle to live and govern a society that despised him for his
lack of compassion. This was similar to how Antigone had originally been forced to go against society to exercise a basic
right. Plunged into the depth of depression, Creon recants his inhumane actions, and takes his own life.
Sophocles’ Antigone is not only the tale of a bloody conflict between the individual and society, but the changes
that he conflict brought about. Antigone has a strong commitment to her family, and was not going to allow anything to
break that bond. This sense of commitment helped her overcome impediments society presented because of her
gender, unjust laws, and conformity. By overcoming these obstacles, Antigone became an example and an inspiration,
which is why her conflict is important to the work as a whole. Antigone’s conflict with society ended her life, but it was a
rebirth for those around her.