A Comparison of Conflicts in Antigone and Lysistrata Essay

Conflicts in Antigone and Lysistrata In Antigone and Lysistrata the tension between the polis and oikos is reflected in different ways. Antigone prioritizes oikos over polis, while Creon prioritizes polis over oikos. The men in Lysistrata favor fighting for the state over being at home while the women want their husbands with them instead of being at the war. We find ample evidence of different conflicts and similarities in both plays, but the males prioritizing polis over oikos and the females prioritizing oikos over polis causes the central tension in Antigone and Lysistrata. Sophocles Antigone, a tragedy, written around 441BC has been interpreted in various ways as a conflict between family and state. Both sides†¦show more content†¦Creon meant to clarify to his son that anyone who commits a crime should be punished - even if the criminal is a member of ones family. Creons doctrine says that once the state decides something, the law applies to everybody. Therefore, he sees no alternative other than to leave the body unburied for the state. Creon would do anything for the sake of the community whereas Antigone is devoted to her family. The situations mentioned above create tensions in the play because Antigone and Creon are bi-polar in their beliefs. Creons priority on the polis is asserted when he tells Haemon, If anyone offends, or violates the laws,/ No word of praise shall he ever have from me./ Whoever the state appoints must be obeyed,/ In little things or great things, right or wrong(646-650). Creon says that when anyone goes against state rules, that person should be punished, even if he is ones own son. Very strict on this issue, he will not honor anything less than respecting the states rules, for Such is my policy; foul play shall never / Triumph over honest merit, if I can help it, / But the man who loves his city shall receive / Honor from me, in his life and in his death (201-205). However, Antigone feels differently and thus clashes with Creon throughout the play. She thinks nothing is more important than performing the last rites overShow MoreRelated Comedic Violence in The Medea, The Oresteia, and Antigone Essay2353 Words   |  10 PagesComedic Violence in The Medea, The Oresteia, and Antigone      Ã‚  Ã‚   Almost no Greek tragedy escapes the use of violence. The Medea, The Oresteia, Antigone, and other classic works of Grecian tragoidia all involve huge components of violence in many prominent places, and for all of these stories, violent action is an integral part of the play. Medea, especially, is a character worthy of note in this regard; her tumultuous life can be plotted accurately along a path of aggression and passionate fits