Nothing more terrible than humanity: Obstinacy, withdrawal, and desire in Sophocles’ "Antigone"
Issue Date
2007-05-31Author
Gallagher, Martin
Publisher
University of Kansas
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
M.A.
Discipline
Classics
Rights
This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
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Show full item recordAbstract
This study contests the view that Sophocles' Antigone is "unphilosophical," and argues that addressing the contest of ideas is central to the play. It is thus an inquiry not only into the play itself but its relationship to ancient Greek philosophy. The author develops a new account of the relationship between Antigone and Creon, not as mere opposites, but as having an analogical relationship to one another. He contends that the play advances a view of rational and human limits that is congenial not only to Aristotle's view of poetry, but to his whole philosophical approach. He also suggests, however, that the play adumbrates a heroic vision of humanity's need to use violence that is not so easily reconcilable with existing philosophical approaches, but that nonetheless constitutes a significant reflection on the human situation that is "philosophical" in its own right.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)--University of Kansas, Classics, 2007.
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- Theses [3901]
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