ROLE OF GENDER IN

ANTIGONE
PRESENTATION FOR CA
EUROPEAN CLASSICAL LITERATURE

Name: Aahana Arora

Roll no. ENG23095
INTRODUCTION TO ANTIGONE

• Antigone” is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that revolves around the conflict between
individual conscience and the demands of the state, exploring themes of morality, justice,
and the consequences of defiance.
• The main theme we seek to explore through this presentation is the gender roles in the
play.
GENDER ROLES IN ANCIENT GREECE

• Gender roles in ancient Greece were deeply rooted in the culture and society of that time. Here are
some key aspects of gender roles in ancient Greece:
• Men occupied the public sphere, which included politics, the military, and economic activities,
while women were relegated to the private sphere, primarily focused on household management
and childcare.
• Women were expected to marry at a young age and bear children. Their primary role was in the
home, where they managed the household, supervised slaves, and cared for the family.
• Women were largely excluded from public life and were not allowed to participate in
politicaldecision-making.
Literary and Philosophical Views:
Ancient Greek literature and philosophy often reinforced traditional gender roles. Works like the writings of Aristotle,
for example, perpetuated the idea of women’s inferiority.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON ANTIGONE

Antigone’s Defiance: Antigone, the protagonist, challenges these traditional gender roles.
She acts against King Creon’s edict and risks her life to give her brother Polynices a proper
burial, which is seen as an act of rebellion.Antigone’s defiance is rooted in her commitment
to familial duty and divine law, transcending the societal constraints placed upon women.
• Ismene’s Submission:Ismene, Antigone’s sister, embodies the traditional role of women
in ancient Greece. She refuses to join Antigone in burying Polynices, fearing the
consequences of defying Creon. This contrast between the two sisters highlights the
tension between obedience to authority and individual moral conviction.
• Creon's Patriarchy: King Creon represents the patriarchal authority in the play, and he
adheres to the traditional gender norms of his society. He views Antigone's actions as
a direct challenge to his authority. Creon's dismissive attitude towards women is evident
in his interactions with Antigone and Ismene.

Haimon's Perspective: Haimon, Creon's son and Antigone's fiancé, offers a more
progressive view. He argues for a flexible interpretation of gender roles and tries to
convince his father to reconsider his stance. Haimon's character demonstrates the
potential for change and evolution in societal attitudes towards gender.
• Tiresias's Insight: Tiresias, the blind prophet, plays a pivotal role in challenging Creon's
authority. His blindness symbolizes a different kind of insight that goes beyond
traditional power structures and gender norms.
Tiresias's prophecy serves as a warning to Creon about the consequences of his rigid and
tyrannical rule.
CONSEQUENCES OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION:

• The play highlights the tragic consequences of gender discrimination. Antigone's defiance
and Creon's stubborn adherence to traditional norms lead to the deaths of several characters.
The suicides of Antigone, Haimon, and Eurydice serve as a powerful commentary on the
destructive impact of rigid gender roles and patriarchal authority.

In "Antigone," gender discrimination is a central theme that underscores the conflict between
individual morality and the societal expectations placed upon women. The play provides a
complex examination of how gender dynamics influence characters actions and the tragic
outcomes that ca om these tensions.
THE END
THANK YOU