Antigone

Author:
Sophocles
Illustrator:
Published by:
Oxford World Classics
Suitable for ages:
17
to
100
ISBN:
978-0199537174
Reviewer:
Reviewer:
Fotini Hamplová

Sophocles' Antigone is one of the best examples of Greek tragedy playwriting, and I would also say one of the best plays ever written. It is short yet dense with with insights about the human condition, philosophical and political discussion. Among other themes, it looks at what makes a good ruler, how a ruler can become a tyrant, and it asks: to what extent should a person follow the laws of the state or follow their own conscience.

It looks at the benefits of having a disciplined state. At the same time it asks: can the state make any laws that it thinks up? Or are the timeless 'laws' of human nature that the state needs to be obedient to. Is it an act of foly or an act of courage to stand up against everyone for your beliefs? As significant a book today as it was thousands of years ago when it was written.

A very powerful and important work of literature that everyone of us should read and think deeply about.

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tragedy, drama, Greece, classics, ancient, theatre

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