PUB 1

2-25-22

Pub 1

For centuries gender inequality has been a massive issue in society and still is today. Most recognizable: women have experienced gender inequality throughout many points in history. Gender inequality is where two genders are not treated as equals, as a result of this one gender is prioritized and has power over the other.  In ancient Greece women had little to no rights in comparison to the men. Females were not allowed to do half the undertakings men did. Just to name a few, they couldn't vote, own land or inherit the property, excluded from arts and many other social and political activities. Inequality and gender roles is an important topic to be discussed because it is principle to live in a healthy and safe society with basic human rights.

As an example, in the Greek tragedy “Antigone” written by Sophocles man and woman are not seen on the same valued level. It is clear in the literature that there is gender discrimination. A major conflict in the play is the inequality tension between Antigone and Creon. Starting off with visible reluctance and fear from Ismene when she first heard Antigone's ideas to defy Creon. Then the Sentry misgendering the “someone” who buried Polyneices as well as the constant unclouded male chauvinistic remarks from Creon throughout the play. It is evident gender inequality is an underlying theme throughout “Antigone”. 

To preface, in ancient Greece if a person dies it is vital that person has a proper burial. The Greeks thought if the body did not receive a proper burial their soul would reach no peace in the afterlife. If the ritual was not done they thought the soul would go to the underworld. Women would perform the burial process as well thus being a very important ceremony over all for the Greeks. With that information, when Creon had ordered for Polyneices body to be laid out for the crows and unburied it is apparent how disgraceful the demands really were. Antigone feltCreon was being evil and there was an injustice. The opening of the play begins with Antigone and Ismene discussing the loss of their two brothers but most importantly Polyneices. Antigone explains to Ismene her plan to bury their brother and honor him like he deserves. Lines 50-55 “Ismene: Would you bury him, when it is forbidden in the city? Antigone: At least he is my brother and yours, too, though you deny him I will not prove false to him. Ismene: you are headstrong. Creon has forbidden it. Antigone: It is not for him to keep me from my own. Ismene: O God!” (1131, Sophocles). Ismene has immense worry over Antigone wanting to bury their brothers body. However, Antigone is strong willed in what she wants to do. Out of fear and reluctance Ismene still is swayed by Creon's orders, afraid to do the opposite of his demands because he is so powerful. In addition in lines 70-71 Ismene says “You ought to realize we are only women, not meant in nature to fight against men.” (1131, Sophocles). She's saying women don't compare to men therefore women don't have rights to do/say what they believe. Ismene's obedient response gives an assumption of how male dominated the society was. 

In the following scene of the play a messenger, Sentry, delivers news to Creon that Polyneices body has been buried and someone went against his orders. Line 268-271 says “Sentry: Yes, I will tell you. Someone just now buried the corpse and vanished. He scattered on the skin some thirsty dust; he did the ritual, duly, to purge the body of desecration.” (1136-1137, Sophocles). Sentry alerts Creon of the situation although there is an automatic assumption the person that buried the body is a “he”. Assuming a woman is not courageous enough to go against the ruler's wishes. Which really puts into perspective how unequal the society is. Another line from Sentry says “It were best that he were found, but whether the criminal is taken or he isn't for that chance will decide.” (1139, Sophocles). Once again assuming Antigone is a “he”. Sentry is saying the man that buried Polyneices should have a punishment but in his eyes it's truly up to fate. 

That last point that is going to be brought up in proving gender inequality in the play is the way Creon talks about Antigone. He constantly makes misogynistic and relentless comments throughout the reading. The lines 439-445 reads “ Creon: This girl how did you take her and from where? Sentry: She was burying the man. Now you know all. Creon: Do you know what you are saying? Do you mean it? Sentry: She is the one; I saw her burying the dead man you forbade the burial of.” (1141, Sophocles). Sentry tells Creon that a woman did the burying of Polyneices. It is clear that Creon is in disbelief and maybe even skeptical that a woman could have done such a defiance. Creon thinks that Antigone doesn't have enough power alone being a female to bury the body on her own. He thinks that men should rule and women obey. Creon says “So we must stand on the side of what is orderly; we cannot give victory to a woman. If we must accept defeat, let it be from a man; we must not let people say that a woman beat us.” (1147. Sophocles). Creon is saying that in his eyes he is doing the right thing by making Antigone pay for her actions. Creon is closed minded and only sees things his way. He's so scared of looking vulnerable and being humiliated that he makes it well known he can't let Antigone have her way. Especially because he was wronged by a woman and not a man. Which really shows how misogynistic and prideful Creon is. 

This evidence shows that gender inequality is a major theme throughout “Antigone.”  Shown through Insemes fear and obedience. Sentry's ignorant assumptions and Creons one way solutions. Creon and Antigone's conflict is based on gender discriminations and it is clear to see in many of the characters' dialogue.