Ib English Iop: Gov't in Antigone

IOP: Government in Antigone
Thesis: Antigone, through the ages, is a simple stage for displaying the power of the government in the form of a play. This is accomplished by Characterization, the writing style versus the time period of the playwrights, and through the catharsis of death. These factors of simple entertainment process themselves as being a true symbol of a government’s power, or lack thereof.
Sophocles v. Anouilh
Sophocles’ version is typically accepted as for play purposes ONLY, surrendering all political propaganda, and forcing no ties to government.
Anouilh’s version is interpreted as a political piece, as it was simply a reproduction of Sophocles play, written in 1943, under Nazi France, it was often interpreted for the sake of siding with the Vichy Government.
Creon, in Sophocles’ version is strong, the opposite of the Grecian government, in around 500 B.C., which was largely controlled by the military, which Sophocles was a part of.
Antigone is portrayed as the heroine, even though she breaks the law, she is regarded as a representation of freedom and personal liberty, the fact of her womanhood strengthens this idea, as it was very controversial for a woman to be “free” in those times.   By this, Antigone’s death is extremely ironic, as though she was a woman; the actor was always male in Greek plays, showing that even though Antigone is a representative of freedom, she is really just an empty symbol for something that doesn’t exist at the time.
Haimon is characterized is being very obedient to his father, and respects his decisions, even though the one he loves will die as a result of these choices. When Haimon finally decides to kill himself for love, he sets of the suicide of his mother, making Haimon that much more important, fitting himself into the jigsaw puzzle of Creon’s emotional downfall.
In Anouilh’s version, Creon is portrayed as kind, caring, and as a victim of Antigone, thus marking him as the hero for his gallant attempts...