Feminism in Antigone

Feminism is a primary thematic concern in the literary appreciation of Antigone. Antigone is the protagonist, bearing the play's name, and acts as a feminist, proving that feminism existed under the assertion that women are equal to men in a male-dominated world (Anouilh &Freeman, 2000). The female protagonist stands up for what she believes is right, even if that would mean surrendering herself. The elements of feminism come to the fore in literary appreciation when the protagonist challenges the unjust actions of King Creon (Anouilh & Freeman, 2000). Therefore, the protagonist is bold and does not hide from what she has done as long as she is sure her moves are correct.

In ancient Greece, it was against tradition and the norm for a woman to rebel against male authority; women lived in fear and could not challenge authority, whether humiliated or not (Anouilh & Freeman, 2000). They believed that challenging an authority could lead to other devastating circumstances. The protagonist, Antigone, showed early signs of feminism when she rose against the rule, rebelling against what she believed was incorrect. In the play Antigone, the author provides a great power dynamic between men and women in Thebes, and the misunderstandings between the protagonist, Antigone, and Creon characterize the power dynamic. Ismene, a character in the play, advises Antigone against standing against men. "We two are women, so we are not to fight with men (Walsh, 2009, p. 62). This phrase reveals women's inferior position in society during the ancient period and in the Theban society; such inferiority also triggered gendered assumptions that led to the establishment of civil obedience. Creon confirms to society that he would not be called weaker than women. This phrase reveals that in the Theban society, a male superiority complex existed, and the society equated masculinity to strength. Furthermore, such strength led to the males dominating society, leading to femininity being equated to weakness and subordination.

The Theban society did not consider feminist perspectives in its political arena. Only the old Theban men made crucial political decisions in society. Furthermore, in ancient Greece, before 441 BC, the established gender norms did not favor women, as revealed in the play Antigone. Creon wants women to be submissive and serve as subjects in society, while men should be leaders. Creon even views women as fields that should be furrowed, proving that society, through the reinforced gender roles, looked down upon women (Walsh, 2009). Notably, characters like Ismene did not value women, including their sisters. He even forced the sister to submit and conform to the reinforced gender roles. Antigone, the protagonist, however, remains the first feminist character to rise against male dominance by going against the orders that Creon put forward, leading to the establishment of a female power.

Generally, the play Antigone addresses feminism as one of its most vital thematic concerns because the protagonist, Antigone, strongly follows what she believes is right while ignoring threats from male dominance, instructing her on what to follow. In addition, she never hid the fact that she was rebelling against the oppressive gender roles in a male chauvinist society.