Ancient Greek playwrights in Athens wrote plays for the Great Dionysia festival that was held every spring. It was a civic duty to attend these plays, as they dealt with moral and social issues important to the community. Sophocles based Antigone on the Theban myths of the legendary rulers of Thebes, using what was, even in his time, an old story to comment on such issues as the absolute rule of kings and the status of women in society.
Antigone is a traditional Greek tragedy. A tragedy is defined as a drama about a noble, courageous hero or heroine of excellent character who because of some tragic character flaw brings ruin upon himself or herself. Tragedy treats its subjects in a dignified and serious manner, using poetic language to help evoke pity and fear.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 628 words. This
study guide contains 19,057 words (approx. 64 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Antigone Access Pass.