71 pages • 2 hours read
Antigone
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Book Brief
80
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Mythical Past
Adult
16-18 years
NP
Super Short Summary
Antigone by Sophocles tells the story of Antigone, daughter of Oedipus, who defies King Kreon's edict prohibiting the burial of her brother Polyneikes. Determined to honor her brother, Antigone performs the burial rites despite the king’s decree. Kreon, discovering her disobedience, sentences her to death, leading to a tragic chain of events that include moral and familial conflicts. Themes include death, violence, and suicide.
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
160,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sophocles' Antigone is praised for its powerful exploration of fate, moral conflict, and the consequences of defiance. Critics commend the strong character development, particularly Antigone's steadfastness and Creon's tragic flaws. However, some find the prose dense and challenging. Overall, it remains a timeless and thought-provoking tragedy.
Who Should Read Antigone?
Readers who appreciate the themes of civil disobedience, familial loyalty, and tragic heroism will enjoy Sophocles’ Antigone. Fans of Shakespeare’s tragedies such as Hamlet or King Lear will find similar dramatic intensity and ethical dilemmas. Ideal for those intrigued by classical literature and moral conflicts.
160,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ismene
Ismene
Ismene is the sister of Antigone, also a daughter of Oedipus, who initially refuses to help bury their brother Polyneikes due to fear of breaking the law.
Kreon
Kreon
Kreon is the king of Thebes and uncle to Antigone and Ismene, focused on enforcing his own laws as king, which leads to conflict with divine law.
The Chorus
The Chorus
The Chorus is a group of elderly Theban men who provide commentary and context throughout the play and attempt to influence Kreon's decisions.
Haimon
Haimon
Haimon is the son of Kreon, engaged to Antigone, and seeks to persuade his father to be more compassionate and just.
Teiresias
Teiresias
Teiresias is a blind seer from Thebes who provides prophetic insights and serves as a catalyst for characters to recognize their mistakes.
80
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Mythical Past
Adult
16-18 years
NP
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