If Antigone Were Male

Thebes is a city ruled by Creon, who had succeeded over his brother Oedipus. However Creon's nephews were killed in a war, one of which eahwas considered a traitor. Creon gave direct orders to the city to leave his remains unsettled which in his time meant his soul would never rest. His sister Antigone couldn't let this happen and buried him, knowing she would be severely punished. Due to her gender, this punishment was greatly disputed.



It is shown by Antigone's fiance, Haiman, in this textual evidence: "They say no woman has ever so unreasonably died so shameful a death for a generous act." Not only is Haimon saying she's innocent, but should be recognized for such selflessness. It is also surprising to the citizens of Thebes that a woman could be the one to do this

Creon combats his son with a few of his own harsh words: "The man who knows how to obey and that man only, knows how to give commands when the time comes. You can depend on him no matter how fast the spears come: he's a good soldier, he'll stick out.", "Who is the man here, she or I, if this crime goes unpunished?" In both of these instances Creon is generally stating that men are better than women specifically in terms of obedience.

If Antigone were a man, her punishment would have been much more swift and brutal. To compare, consider the difference of treatment (in some cases) between men and women being arrested. Women are more easily trusted, which is supported in the piece: "A girl's glance working the will of heaven: Pleasure to her alone who mocks us, merciless Aphrodite.

Antigone can be seen as such, but was this for a good cause: her family. If Antigone were a man, "he" wouldn't have risked his reputation for his brother, Antigone as a woman is prone to having a more kind heart. Creaon sees this as a weakness, but something to be intimidated by as well: "Creon: This boy it seems has sold out a woman. Haimon: If you are a woman: My concern is only for you."

Finally, Creon fears others will see him as weak: "Do you want me to show myself weak before the people? Or to breaking sworn word? No and I will not." Where Creon sees Antigone's gender as something weak, it may have been the one thing to cause her life to last a few moments longer.