Antigone | Themes

Antigone Themes

Thematic Overview

Antigone was written over two thousand years ago, in a land that is still considered the birthplace of democracy. Sophocles was a part of this democratic movement, but custom, tradition, and the rules of the gods also played an important role in Greek life. This is reflected in the themes present in the play: choices and their consequences; custom and tradition; gods and religion, and betrayal. These issues make Antigone constant in terms of its relevance to audiences of all times, as these issues represent some of the fundamental challenges faced by humankind.

Choices and Consequences

Just as in life, choices in Antigone have their consequences. From the outset, Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices seals her fate. Her refusal to obey Creon's edict to leave her brother’s body to be consumed by wild animals leads to her capture and to her death. Similarly, Ismene's refusal to help Antigone ends her relationship with...
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