Antigone (Sophocles)
Short summary
Ancient Thebes, after a civil war. Two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, killed each other in battle. The new king decreed that Eteocles would receive proper burial rites, but Polyneices' body must remain unburied as punishment for attacking the city. Antigone defied this order.
She attempted to bury her brother with sacred rites, believing divine law superseded human decree. Guards caught her in the act and brought her before the king.
Antigone defended her actions, asserting that eternal divine laws outweighed mortal commands. Creon condemned her to be sealed alive in a cave. His son Haemon, Antigone's betrothed, pleaded for her life but failed to sway his father. The prophet Teiresias warned Creon that the gods were angered by his actions.
Too late, Creon rushed to free Antigone, but found she had hanged herself. Haemon, discovering her body, killed himself in grief. When Creon's wife Eurydice learned of their son's death, she also took her own life. Creon was left devastated, recognizing his tragic error.
I am the guilty cause. I did the deed, Thy murderer... Away with me, a worthless wretch who slew Unwitting thee, my son, thy mother too... And on my head I feel the heavy weight Of crushing Fate.
Detailed summary
Division into scenes is editorial.
Antigones resolve to bury her brother
Before the palace gates of Thebes, two sisters met in the early dawn. The city had just survived a terrible siege, and their two brothers lay dead—one honored, one disgraced. The elder sister spoke urgently of a royal proclamation issued by their uncle, the new king. She revealed that while one brother would receive proper burial rites, the other was condemned to lie unburied, his corpse left as carrion for birds and dogs. Anyone who dared to bury him would face death by public stoning.
Antigone asked her sister whether she would help bury their dishonored brother. The younger sister hesitated, reminding Antigone of their family's cursed history—their father who had blinded himself, their mother who had hanged herself, and now their brothers who had killed each other in battle. She argued that they were weak women who could not defy the king's will, and that she must obey those in power.
Antigone declared she would bury her brother alone, even if it meant her death.
My brother, and, though thou deny him, thine. No man shall say that I betrayed a brother... How sweet to die in such employ, to rest— Sister and brother linked in love's embrace
Ismene warned that Antigone was doomed to fail, but Antigone replied that when her strength failed, she would stop—but not before. The sisters parted, Ismene to safety and caution, Antigone to her dangerous mission.
Thebes celebrates victory over the invaders
The elders of Thebes gathered and sang of their city's deliverance. They celebrated how the invading army from Argos, led by the exiled prince who had come to claim the throne, had been driven back. The attackers had come like an eagle with white wings and horsehair plumes, threatening the seven gates of Thebes. But Zeus, who hated the boastful pride of the invaders, had struck them down with his lightning. The two brothers, sons of the former king, had met in single combat at the gates, and both had fallen, each slain by the other's hand. Now victory smiled upon Thebes, and the elders called for celebration and thanksgiving to the gods.
Creon proclaims his edict
The new king arrived to address the assembled elders. He reminded them of his right to rule, being next of kin to the dead princes. He declared that no one could truly know a man's character until he had been tested by the exercise of power.
Creon announced his policy regarding the two dead princes. Eteocles, who had died defending Thebes, would receive full funeral honors. But Polyneices, who had led foreign armies against his own city, was to remain unburied. His corpse would be left to be devoured by dogs and birds, a ghastly warning to all traitors.
For whoso rules his household worthily, Will prove in civic matters no less wise... the State Is the good ship that holds our fortunes all: Farewell to friendship, if she suffers wreck.
The elders pledged their obedience. Creon ordered them to ensure his edict was enforced, and they assured him they would not connive at disobedience. The king warned that hope of gain had often lured men to their ruin.
The guard reports the mysterious burial
A guard arrived, hesitant and fearful. He had debated with himself whether to come at all, knowing the king would be angry at his news. Finally, he reported that someone had performed burial rites over the forbidden corpse. The body had been sprinkled with dust, and the proper rituals had been completed. There were no signs of tools or chariot tracks, no evidence of who had done this deed.
The guard explained that when the morning watch discovered the burial, the sentries had accused each other. Each man was suspected, but none could be proven guilty. They had been ready to undergo ordeals of fire and iron to prove their innocence. Finally, one guard had suggested they must tell the king, and lots were cast. This guard had drawn the unlucky lot and so brought the unwelcome news. Creon exploded in fury, refusing to believe the gods would honor a traitor who had tried to burn their temples. He accused the guards of being bribed and threatened them with torture and death if they did not find the culprit. The terrified guard departed, grateful to have escaped with his life.
Choral ode on the wonders and dangers of man
The elders sang of humanity's remarkable achievements. Man had conquered the seas, tamed wild beasts, learned speech and thought, and built cities. Yet for all his cunning and skill, man could be led to good or evil. Those who honored the laws of the land and revered the gods stood proud, but those who departed from the path of right became outcasts, worthy only of contempt.
Antigone arrested and defends her actions
The same guard returned, this time bringing Antigone as his prisoner. He explained that after they had swept away all traces of the first burial, they had sat watching the corpse. Suddenly a whirlwind had raised a cloud of dust that blotted out the sky. When it cleared, they saw Antigone performing the burial rites again. She had poured libations from a bronze urn over the body. The guards had seized her, and she had not denied the deed. The guard was relieved to be free of trouble, though he felt some grief at bringing disaster to another. Creon questioned Antigone directly, asking if she knew of his prohibition. She admitted she knew—everyone knew. When he asked if she had dared to break his law, she gave her famous reply.
Yea, for these laws were not ordained of Zeus... Nor did I deem that thou, a mortal man, Could'st by a breath annul... The immutable unwritten laws of Heaven.
Antigone declared that she knew she must die, and if death came sooner through her defiance, she counted it gain. Her life was full of misery, and she would have grieved far more had she left her brother unburied. If Creon thought her foolish, she suggested that perhaps he was the fool. The elders remarked that she was as stubborn as her father had been. Creon responded that the stubbornest wills were most easily broken, like iron that shatters when over-heated. He was outraged that Antigone not only broke the law but boasted of it. He swore that both she and her sister would die, for he suspected both of conspiracy. He would not be ruled by a woman while he lived.
Ismene was brought forth from the palace, weeping. Creon accused her of being a viper who had secretly plotted with her sister. Ismene tried to claim she had shared in the crime and should share the punishment. But Antigone rejected her offer coldly, saying Ismene had chosen life when Antigone chose death. Ismene pleaded to be allowed to die with her sister, but Antigone refused her partnership. When Ismene asked if Creon would really kill his own son's betrothed, Creon replied that there were other fields for his son to plow. The elders questioned whether he would truly rob his son of his bride, and Creon confirmed that death would bar the marriage. He ordered both sisters taken away and kept under close guard.
Choral ode on the curse of the house of Oedipus
The elders sang of the ancient curse that plagued the royal house. Generation after generation had suffered, like waves driven by northern storms across the dark sea. The family of Oedipus had been scourged by the gods, and now the light that had dawned on the last generation was being extinguished by the bloody axe of fate. They reflected on Zeus's eternal power, which no mortal force could challenge, and on how pride inevitably brought punishment.
Haemon pleads with his father for Antigones life
The king's son arrived, and Creon asked if he came in anger over the sentence passed on his bride. The young man assured his father that he would always defer to his wisdom.
Creon praised his son's attitude and launched into a speech about the importance of obedience and the dangers of being ruled by a woman. He declared that Antigone must die, and that maintaining authority was more important than any personal relationship. Haemon carefully suggested that while his father's words were wise, other men might also have wisdom to offer. He reported that the common people were murmuring in sympathy for Antigone, saying she deserved honor, not death, for her noble deed. He urged his father not to cling to one view alone, reminding him that even the wisest man should be willing to learn from others.
A State for one man is no State at all... The wisest man will let himself be swayed By others' wisdom and relax in time... by resisting perish root and branch.
Creon grew angry, accusing his son of being a woman's slave. The argument escalated, with Haemon defending justice and Creon insisting on his royal authority. When Creon declared that Antigone would die, Haemon warned that she would not die alone. Creon took this as a threat and ordered Antigone brought out to be executed in her bridegroom's presence. Haemon declared his father would never see his face again and departed in fury. The elders warned that young men's wrath was dangerous, but Creon dismissed their concerns. He announced he would spare Ismene but would immure Antigone alive in a rock-hewn cave with just enough food to avoid the pollution of homicide.
Choral ode on the power of love
The elders sang of love's irresistible power. Love conquered gods and mortals alike, dwelling in maidens' eyes and roaming over land and sea. Love drove even the wisest to madness and had kindled this very conflict between father and son. Justice herself sat enthroned beside love, bending all to its will.
Antigones lament as she is led to her tomb
Antigone was led forth to her doom. She lamented that she would go to her death unwed, with no marriage songs sung for her. The elders tried to console her, saying she would die with glory, going freely to the dead below. She compared herself to Niobe, who had been turned to stone on a mountain, forever weeping. The elders reminded her that Niobe was divine-born, while Antigone was mortal, but suggested this made her fate more glorious. Antigone cried out against her cruel punishment, calling on the city and its gods to witness how she suffered for her piety. She reflected bitterly on her family's curse—her father's incestuous marriage, her parents' tragic deaths, her brothers' mutual slaughter. She declared that she had honored the eternal laws of heaven, even though the rulers of Thebes condemned her for it.
What ordinance of heaven have I transgressed?... Well, if such justice is approved of heaven, I shall be taught by suffering my sin; But if the sin is theirs, O may they suffer
Creon ordered his guards to take her away immediately, warning that further lamentation was useless. Antigone bade farewell to the sunlight and went to her living tomb.
Choral ode on legendary sorrows
The elders sang of other noble figures who had suffered imprisonment. They recalled Danaë, locked in a bronze tower, and the Thracian king who had been confined for his madness in defying Dionysus. They sang of a princess whose stepmother had blinded her children. Even the children of gods, they noted, could not escape the power of fate.
Teiresiass prophecy and Creons change of heart
The blind prophet arrived, led by a boy. He warned Creon that the king stood once more on the razor's edge of peril.
Teiresias described how the omens had turned ominous. The birds shrieked strangely and tore at each other with bloody talons. The sacrificial fires would not burn properly, and the offerings were polluted. He declared that this was because the altars and shrines had been defiled by carrion from the unburied corpse. The gods now rejected Thebes's prayers and offerings. He urged Creon to relent, warning that even the wise could err, but the truly foolish were those who refused to correct their mistakes. Creon angrily accused the prophet of being bribed, like all seers who sold their prophecies for gold. He refused to permit the burial, declaring that no human pollution could harm the gods. Teiresias responded with a terrible prophecy.
Know then for sure... Thou shalt have given the fruit of thine own loins In quittance of thy murder, life for life... And all thy neighbor States are leagues to avenge
The prophet warned that Creon would pay for his crimes with the life of his own child. The avenging spirits were already on his trail. Soon lamentation would fill his halls, and neighboring cities would rise against Thebes for the dishonor done to their dead warriors. After delivering this curse, Teiresias departed. The shaken elders urged Creon to heed the warning, reminding him that the prophet's words had never yet proven false. Creon, torn between pride and fear, finally admitted his uncertainty. The elders advised him to free Antigone and bury Polyneices. Though it grieved him to yield, Creon recognized that fate was ill to fight. He ordered his servants to bring axes and hurried away to undo his decrees himself.
Choral hymn to Dionysus
The elders called upon Dionysus, patron god of Thebes, to come to their city's aid in its hour of need. They invoked him by his many names and sacred places, begging him to descend from Parnassus or cross the roaring straits to save his beloved city from the plague that afflicted it.
The tragic deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice
A messenger arrived with terrible news. He reflected on how fortune constantly changed, raising up and casting down. Creon, who had seemed so enviable—having saved Thebes and ruled supreme with a noble family—had now lost everything.
When the elders asked who had died, the messenger revealed that Haemon was dead, slain by his own hand. The queen emerged from the palace, having overheard their conversation.
She asked to hear the full truth, saying she was no stranger to misery. The messenger explained that he had accompanied Creon to bury Polyneices. They had performed the proper rites and built a funeral mound. Then they had hurried to Antigone's cave. As they approached, they heard a terrible wailing. Creon recognized his son's voice and rushed forward. Through a gap in the rocks, they saw Antigone hanging by a noose of linen, and Haemon clasping her body, lamenting his dead bride and his father's cruelty. Creon called to his son, begging him to come out. But Haemon glared at his father with rage, spat in his face, drew his sword, and lunged at him. When Creon dodged away, Haemon turned the blade on himself, driving it through his own side. As he died, he embraced Antigone's corpse, his blood staining her pale cheek. The messenger concluded that the marriage rites had been consummated in the halls of death. Eurydice listened in silence, then turned and went back into the palace without a word. The messenger found her silence ominous and followed her inside.
Creon returned, carrying his son's body and lamenting his own folly. A second messenger rushed out with more dreadful news.
He announced that the queen was dead, struck down by a fresh blow. The doors opened to reveal Eurydice's body. She had stabbed herself beside the altar, but before dying, she had cursed Creon as the murderer of both her sons. Creon, overwhelmed by guilt and grief, begged to be led away. He acknowledged himself as the guilty cause of all these deaths and prayed for his own end. The elders observed that happiness depended on wisdom, that the gods must be honored, and that pride inevitably brought punishment.
Of happiness the chiefest part Is a wise heart: And to defraud the gods in aught With peril's fraught. Swelling words of high-flown might Mightily the gods do smite.
Creon stood broken amid the ruins of his house, having learned through terrible suffering that human law must yield to divine law, and that stubborn pride leads only to destruction.