As a result of our study on Ancient Greece, I have learned how the Greek tragedy, "Antigone", by Sophocles, represents the history and culture of Greece during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. I uncovered a variety of themes that were expressed in both "Antigone" and Greek history and culture. A theme that I felt stood out the most was the theme of striving for perfection. I found that the characters Antigone and Creon were both drawn by the need for perfection in the same vein as the Athenians during the Golden Age of Greece.
Creon, the prideful king of Thebes, in "Antigone", had it in his heart and mind to create the perfect polis. He proclaimed the law, which forbid the burial of Polynices, the brother of Antigone, for this reason of perfection. Because Polynices died as an enemy of the country, Creon thought it was only right to not bury him.
"Our country is our life; only when she rides safely, have we any friends at all. .
Such is my policy for our common weal (pg. 412)," Creon describes as he explains to the citizens his reasons for his astonishing proclamation. Creon is willing to stand above and go against the laws of the Gods to create what he believes to be the law that is the best for the state. His views are one-sided and straightforward, as he strives for that perfect city with the perfect king, envisioned in his mind. Antigone, in accordance with Creon, has that same kind of vision in her mind but of what she wants to achieve. .
"And if I die for it, what happiness! There I shall lie forever. Live if you will; .
Live and defy the holiest laws of heaven (pg.410)!" Antigone exclaims to her disagreeing sister, Ismene, as she tells her of her plans to bury their brother and ignore the law of Creon. Antigone's burning desire for perfection is lit by the passion she has in restoring the law of the Gods and is willing to die for these beliefs. Both Antigone and Creon perform extreme actions in order to reach the perfection that they yearn for.
