Which character in Sophocles’ Antigone believes that women are subordinate to men, and that they should simply know their role?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The character in Antigone who believes that women are subordinate to men and should simply know their role is Creon. He holds the view that the natural order of society places men in positions of power and women in roles of submission. This belief is most evident when he speaks about Antigone’s actions in defying his orders regarding her brother Polynices.
Creon is the king of Thebes and represents the authority of law and order. His rigid sense of justice is intertwined with his belief in the traditional roles of gender. He assumes that women should not act outside of the boundaries set for them by society, which is why he becomes enraged when Antigone defies his command to leave her brother’s body unburied. To Creon, a woman’s role is to be subservient and obedient, particularly to male authority.
Creon’s views are also expressed through his conversations with his son Haemon. In their dialogue, Creon argues that the role of a woman is to remain silent and obedient. He believes that a woman’s primary responsibility is to her husband and family, and that they should not challenge male authority. He expresses disdain for Antigone’s actions, not only because she broke his law but because she, as a woman, dared to assert her autonomy.
This perspective reflects the patriarchal values of ancient Greek society, where women were expected to remain in the domestic sphere and defer to male authority. Creon’s downfall, however, highlights the consequences of rigidly adhering to such traditional beliefs, as his refusal to bend leads to tragic outcomes for his family. His character serves as a representation of the oppressive forces of traditional gender roles and the disastrous consequences of ignoring individual agency.