The Role of Fate and Destiny in Sophocles' Antigone Essay Example

Antigone is Sophocles' tragedy about a conflict that the protagonist Antigone and Creon, the king of Thebes has. The play takes place in an ancient Greek society, where Fate (or Destiny) is an important part of the lives and actions of the characters. The play examines Fate and Destiny, and how they influence the outcomes of characters' choices and actions.

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Fate and destiny are rooted in ancient Greek beliefs that the gods predetermine one's fate. Fate refers to the course of events that is predetermined and is considered an inevitable force. Destiny, on the other hand, is determined by one's actions and choices. Antigone is a story where Fate and Destiny are intertwined because the characters' choices are limited due to the predetermined course.

The chorus, who acts as an omniscient observer, speaks of the inevitable fate that awaits Antigone: “You must not, for Fate will find you out and give you a heavy penalty.” This line reflects the idea that the gods have already predetermined what will happen to Antigone, despite her attempts to choose her own path. This idea is further reinforced by the fact that every decision that Antigone makes leads her closer to her ultimate fate.

Despite the predetermined course of events, the characters’ choices and decisions have an impact on the outcome of the story. Creon’s decisions to punish Antigone for burying her brother and to ignore the warnings of the gods lead him to disaster. It is his own actions that bring about his downfall, not Fate or Destiny.

Although Fate and Destiny are important in Antigone's story, their influence is limited. Even though the outcome of the story is predetermined, the characters have the ability to choose their own path. Fate and Destiny may not be completely in control, but the characters have the ability to make their own decisions. They can also influence the story's outcome. Although Fate and Destiny are crucial to the play's outcome, the characters still have the power and agency to make their decisions.