reserved. Of the complete works available, Antigone, Oedipus Tryannus (Oedipus Rex), and Oedipus at Colonus are widely considered to be masterpieces (Terrell 2).2.Summary:Antigone is a play which embodies many values held dear to the ancient Greeks: morality, pride, selfless love, the power of the Gods, and similar issues which are timelessly inherent within the human condition are pursued endlessly by Sophocles and his dramatic cast of characters, making the play as relevant to contemporary man as it once was to the ancient Athenian. The play initially appears to center around Antigone, focusing on her selfless love, and subsequent sacrifice to ensure her brothers burial. Although this is a main concept used by Sophocles to perpetuate the tragedy, the ensuing bulk of the play appears to deal more deeply with the fate of Creon. This leaves four very important issues within the play, dealing with (1) the opposition of Creon and Antigone (2) the internal struggle between Creons own authority and his overwhelming sense of pride or ego (3) the opposition between Creon and the Gods, and (4) the transcendental issue regarding personal morals and the laws of the state. These concepts are dealt with steadily throughout the play, although the Prologue, the Parodos, and part of scene one can be viewed as an introduction, mainly used to inform the audience about actions which have invoked the plays scenario, while also acting as a vehicle for Sophocles to deliver his thoughts regarding morality.The Prologue sets the stage for the action in the rest of the play. It explains the battle between Eteocles and Polyneices armies over Thebes, and Polyneices subsequent death. The fate of Polyneices body is announced, and this immediately begins the conflict between Creon and Antigone. This also incites the opposition of Antigones views against the laws of Thebes, while also showing Antigones compassion for her brother, although the latter is often viewed a...
