Moliesa Yashin
RR#5
In literature, the word agency means, “the freedom and capacity to live or act in a defined world.”  And so, when you look at the character of Antigone, to what extent does she have agency in the play?  In what ways have you seen her act on her own ability to live and survive in this particular world?

Antigone played the major character in the play Sophocles. Throughout the play from the very beginning Antigone played the role of a very brave and strong young woman. I think she certainly displayed her own ability to live and survive in her world as independently as she can.  When I first read this play I thought to myself Antigone would probably do something wrong and be punished severely for it since she brought her sister outside the gates to talk about her plan. However, as I kept reading I discovered there was much more to it. Her independence and courage to do what she had planned made me very interested in reading to see what would happen next.  I enjoy reading when characters are this brave and have so much determination within them to keep focus on their objective and overcome their obstacles especially when it’s about a young woman.  It made me think if a young woman in today’s generation would go literally sacrifice their own life for someone else’s or for what they believe is right. This is exactly what Antigone did. She knew that her life was at risk but she fulfilled her desire and stood by her beliefs that her brother deserved a proper burial.

Antigone took upon herself the burden and sorrows of everyone in her family.  To my understanding she is the kind of person that would try to undo or correct her family’s mistakes and she would try to do things in her belief (the way she grew up). It shows how independent she is and her ability to make a life for herself even if she was alone. Her sister is still alive but can be of no help to Antigone since she never gets the opportunity to and Antigone never seems to be in need of help. Going back to the beginning she called Ismene (her sister) to inform her of her own plans but never asked for help or to join force. I think with this quality you don’t need anyone but yourself to survive (at any given time or place). She also shows the love and care she has for Ismene. This is shown when Ismene tried to help her since everything came in the open but she refused help. I think of this as Antigone’s way of protecting and caring for her sister. She was fighting to give her brother a proper burial as she did to protect her sister.

I also admired Antigone taking full responsibility of everything she had done. She was very brave and honest in doing so even though it meant her life could have been taken from her. Her bravery here when she stood up to Creon – the great ruler that no one should disobey, displays the courage that she has to go after all her dreams.

As the play progresses, Antigone began to single herself out from everyone else. She began to question her religion and everything she fought so hard to protect.  I think of this a very major step in Antigone’s life. She’s brave enough to stand alone and face the world as a young woman.  I think she knows her purpose in regards to her family and society. She also knows exactly what she wants and is very much focused and invested in it. With these qualities Antigone is capable of overcoming any barrier placed in her way.