Antigone a Monologue of Missy Maramara

Summary

In this dramatic script, Antigone defies the king's edict to bury her brother Polynices, asserting her familial duty and moral obligation. She challenges the authority and the law, questioning the king's definition of happiness and life's purpose. Her passionate speech reflects a deep conflict between personal ethics and societal norms, culminating in a powerful rejection of a complacent existence in favor of a life lived with conviction and integrity.

Takeaways

• 🪦 **Duty to the Dead**: The character feels a strong obligation to bury her brother, highlighting the ancient belief in the necessity of burial for the deceased's peace.
• 🏺 **Family Loyalty**: Despite societal rules, the protagonist's loyalty to her brother is unwavering, emphasizing the bond of family over legal mandates.
• 🚫 **Defiance of Authority**: The character's actions demonstrate a bold defiance of the king's edict, showcasing the conflict between personal ethics and state law.
• 🎭 **The Role of Women**: The script challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a female character who is not only defiant but also articulates a strong moral stance.
• 🌿 **Eternal Rest**: The concept of the unburied wandering without rest is mentioned, underscoring the cultural importance of proper funeral rites.
• 🔒 **Unlocking the House of the Dead**: There is a symbolic gesture of unlocking the afterlife for the deceased, suggesting a belief in an afterlife that can be accessed through burial.
• 👑 **Power and Responsibility**: The king's power is contrasted with his responsibility to uphold both the law and the moral fabric of society.
• 🗣️ **The Voice of Rebellion**: The character's words represent a voice of rebellion against unjust laws and the demand for personal autonomy.
• 🤔 **Questioning Happiness**: The script explores the idea of happiness and what it means to live a fulfilling life, questioning the societal norms that dictate happiness.
• 🌐 **Life's Demands**: The character's desire for a full and meaningful life is juxtaposed with the limitations placed upon her by society and the state.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in the script?

The main conflict is between the protagonist, likely Antigone, and an authority figure who opposes her decision to bury her brother, Polynices, despite the edict against it.

Why does the protagonist feel obligated to bury her brother?

The protagonist believes it is her duty to bury her brother because those who are unburied are thought to wander eternally without rest.

What does the protagonist say about her brother's return from the hunt?

The protagonist mentions that her brother, Polynices, came home weary after a long day of hunting, and she feels she should have tended to his needs.

What does the 'House of the Dead' mentioned in the script signify?

The 'House of the Dead' likely refers to the afterlife or a burial place, where the protagonist's parents are, and where Polynices should be welcomed.

Why does the authority figure consider the protagonist a rebel and traitor?

The authority figure sees the protagonist as a rebel and traitor because she defies the edict against burying her brother.

What does the protagonist's response to being called above the law indicate about her character?

The protagonist's response indicates that she does not believe her royal status exempts her from the moral duty to bury her brother, showing her commitment to her family and principles over power.

What is the protagonist's stance on the law regarding her brother's burial?

The protagonist does not accept the law as a valid reason to deny her brother a proper burial, suggesting a belief in a higher moral law.

What does the protagonist imply about her willingness to accept the consequences of her actions?

The protagonist is aware of the punishment for her actions but is willing to accept it, showing her determination and the importance she places on burying her brother.

What is the nature of the 'happiness' the authority figure speaks of?

The 'happiness' mentioned by the authority figure seems to be a mundane, compliant form of happiness that requires the protagonist to ignore her moral obligations.

How does the protagonist express her disdain for the idea of a life that 'Must Go On' without fulfilling her duty?

The protagonist vehemently rejects the idea of a life that continues without questioning or challenging authority, showing her desire for a life with meaning and integrity.

What does the protagonist's final statement about 'wanting everything of life' suggest about her values?

The protagonist's final statement suggests that she values a life of depth, meaning, and authenticity over a superficial existence that ignores moral and familial duties.