Conflict Illiad Vs Antigone Essay Research Paper

Conflict Illiad Vs. Antigone Essay, Research Paper

This paper will address the conflicts between, Achilleus and Agamemnon, and Antigone and Creon. The first content paragraph will address the individuality that Achilleus brings about and how it goes against the tradition. The second content paragraph will address Antigone and her fight for justice and tradition. In conclusion we will reflect on the similarities and dissimilarities of Antigone and Achilleus’ conflicts, and how their fights, for and against tradition, were really the same fight for equality against authority.

Achilleus and Agamemnon’s conflict begins when Agamemnon is forced to return Chryseis to her father to end the wrath of Apollo. Agamemnon demands that he be compensated for his loss. Achilleus speaks out against Agamemnon, saying that he was greedy and did not need nor deserve a new prize. Here Achilleus says, “Never, when the Achaians sack some well-found citadel of the Trojans, do I have a prize that is equal to your prize. Always the greater part of the painful fighting is the work of my hands; but when the time comes to distribute the booty yours is far the greater reward, and I with some small thing yet dear to me go back to my ships when I am weary with fighting.” (H,63, 163-168) Within this conflict comes the beginning of a new value, individuality. Achilleus is the first to “go against the grain” and defy the social order of things. He is angered by the notion that Agamemnon can and will get what he wants. In the previous quote, he alludes to the idea that a person should be rewarded for the work he has done, not the position he holds. Individuality itself goes against the tradition of the times. Everyone back then moved with the community. If a man is ordered by a superior to do something, it gets done. Achilleus fought against that. “Tell other men to do these things, but give me no more commands, since I for my part have no intention to obey you.” (H, 67, 295-296) His decision to not help the Achaians with the war also shows that his main concern lies within rather than on the community. Achillues’ rage against authority come from the lack of fairness shown to him and the other Argives, a common thread throughout history.

Prior to the beginning of Antigone, Eteocles and Polynices, fought and killed each other. Both men were brothers of Antigone. Polynices was leading a fight against Thebes, and Eteocles was defending. Therefore, at there death, Creon decreen that Eteolces be buried as a hero and Polynices shall remain unburied for his traitorous actions. Antigone, being sister to each, found it unjust that Polynices’ body remained to be eaten by dogs and birds of prey.

Ismene. What, would you bury him? (S,2-3)

Against the proclamation?

Antigone. My own brother

And yours I will! If you will not, I will;

I shall not prove disloyal.

Ismene. You are mad!

When Creon has forbidden it?

Antigone. From mine own

He has no right to stay me.

Antigone’s sister, Ismene, trys to talk her out of going against Creon’s will.

Ismene. (S,3)

Do but consider how most miserably

We too shall perish, if despite of law

We traverse the behest or power of kings.

Antigone cannot be convinced.

Antigone. (S,3)

Him will I bury. Death, so met, were honour;

And for that capital crime of piety,

Loving and loved, I will lie by his side.

Far longer is there need I satisfy

Those nether Powers, that powers on earth; for there

For ever must I lie. You, if you will,

Hold up to scorn what is approved of Heaven!

She believes that the right to be buried and receive honour among the Gods is far greater than any law preventing such. Here begins the conflict of tradition vs. mortal law. Off she goes to perform the ceremonial rite on the body of her brother. Antigone realizes that this actions will probably lead to her death, but she would rather that than have her brother left dishonoured in the eyes of the Gods. Later Antigone is brought before Creon to attest to her deeds.

Creon. (S,17)

Now tell me, not at length, but in brief space,

Knew you the order not to do it?

Antigone. Yes,

I knew it; what should hinder? It was plain.

Creon. And you made free to overstep my law?

Antigone. Because it was not Zeus who ordered it,

Nor Justice, dweller with the Nether Gods,

Gave such a law to men; nor did I deem

Your ordinance of so much binding force,

As that a mortal man could overbear

The unchangeable unwritten code of Heaven;

This is not of today and yesterday,

Antigone denies it not. The direct conflict between Antigone and Creon starts here. Creon is outraged that Antigone overstepped his law. Antigone explains that the laws of of Zeus and the other Gods cannot be overwritten by the laws of a mortal man. Creon tells Antigone that she is alone in her views and defiance.

Creon. You, of all this people, (S,19-20)

Are singular in you discernment.

Antigone. Nay,

They too discern; they but refrain their tongues

At your behest.

Creon. And you are not ashamed

That you deem otherwise?

Antigone.

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