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Traditional Themes Of Heroism In Sophocles Antigone

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Traditional Themes Of Heroism In Sophocles Antigone
The traditional themes of heroism in the face of death that were specifically attributed to the Ancient Greeks are prevalent throughout Sophocles’ Antigone. This tragedy highlights the importance the Greeks place on dying gloriously, being honored posthumously, and the conflict between divine and human law. The main character, for purposes of this analysis, is Antigone. Her sister Ismene is a prime example of the expected role of women had in Ancient Greece. These women are the last remaining offspring in the House of Labdacus which was cursed by the fates. The death of their brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, presented the women with a choice to either rise up and do what they perceived to be morally correct or be cowardly and pious towards
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