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Antigone (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays) Paperback – October 12, 1993

by Sophocles (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 614 ratings
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In his long life, Sophocles (born ca. 496 B.C., died after 413) wrote more than one hundred plays. Of these, seven complete tragedies remain, among them the famed Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. In Antigone, he reveals the fate that befalls the children of Oedipus. With its passionate speeches and sensitive probing of moral and philosophical issues, this powerful drama enthralled its first Athenian audiences and won great honors for Sophocles.
The setting of the play is Thebes. Polynices, son of Oedipus, has led a rebellious army against his brother, Eteocles, ruler of Thebes. Both have died in single combat. When Creon, their uncle, assumes rule, he commands that the body of the rebel Polynices be left unburied and unmourned, and warns that anyone who tampers with his decree will be put to death.
Antigone, sister of Polynices, defies Creon's order and buries her brother, claiming that she honors first the laws of the gods. Enraged, Creon condemns her to be sealed in a cave and left to die. How the gods take their revenge on Creon provides the gripping denouement to this compelling tragedy, which remains today one of the most frequently performed of classical Greek dramas.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    64 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  4. Publication date
    October 12, 1993
  5. Reading age
    14 years and up
  6. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0486278042
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0486278049
  9. Lexile measure
    1090L
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

Antigone by Sophocles Dover Thrift Editions Plays

In his long life, Sophocles (born ca. 496 B.C., died after 413) wrote more than one hundred plays.

Of these, seven complete tragedies remain, among them the famed Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. In Antigone, he reveals the fate that befalls the children of Oedipus.

When Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, chooses to obey the law of the gods rather than an unconscionable command from Creon, ruler of Thebes, she is condemned to death. How the gods take their revenge on Creon provides the gripping denouement to this compelling tragedy, still one of the most frequently performed of classical Greek dramas.

“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.”

“A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind.”

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In his long life, Sophocles (born ca. 496 B.C., died after 413) wrote more than one hundred plays. Of these, seven complete tragedies remain, among them the famed Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. In Antigone, he reveals the fate that befalls the children of Oedipus.
Polynices, son of Oedipus, has led a rebellious army against his brother, Eteocles, ruler of Thebes. Both have died in single combat. When Creon, their uncle, assumes rule, he commands that the body of the rebel Polynices be left unburied and unmourned, and warns that anyone who tampers with his decree will be put to death.
Antigone, sister of Polynices, defies Creon's order and buries her brother, claiming that she honors first the laws of the gods. Enraged, Creon condemns her to be sealed in a cave and left to die. How the gods take their revenge on Creon provides the gripping denouement to this compelling, frequently performed tragedy.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Reprint edition (October 12, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486278042
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486278049
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1090L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 614 ratings

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Sophocles

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
614 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Felicia
5.0 out of 5 stars School
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
My daughter teacher asked her this particular book for Catholic school. My daughter really enjoyed it. They had discussion about it in class. Perfect for teenagers
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M. Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for school
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
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This copy of Antigone was perfect for English literature class
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fra7299
4.0 out of 5 stars Very deep work from Sophocles, with themes that are relevant today
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
“It is no shame to pay respect to our own flesh and blood.”

“Well, I was made for fellowship in love, not fellowship in hate.”

“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.”

I will say that there is definitely a certain power in reading the rather tragic play of Antigone (or, for that matter, any of Sophocles’ work). He always offers little nuggets of wisdom that we as readers can ruminate on and think on long after the reading experience.

I think there are two key themes that surround this classic tragedy, that of one being honorable and moralistic, and the other, well, to put it in more contemporary terms, sticking to one’s guns, even in the face of harsh punishment.

That we see in the character of Antigone. I thought one of the more impactful moments from this rather short drama is early on when Antigone is accused and first brought forth to face Creon for her crimes. Her first response to justifying the whys of her “crimes” her actions speaks volumes for her strength of character. She does not back down to Creon, accepts what fate comes her way, good or bad, and ultimately gives reasons for her actions of burying her brother with a faithful and honorable approach.

In another sense, Sophocles’ play examines abuse of power and the repercussions of such abuse on the individual. We see this in the Creon, who at points has duty and authority in mind over morality. He fails to see the many warnings and omens for good portions of the play.

However, the play is much more complex than I am articulating. There are many tragedies piling up to many characters as the drama progresses. Quite a bit of pathos and sadness and woe. One could argue that two of the key leads Creon and Antigone take on roles of tragic hero, but in vastly different ways. Antigone’s primary “flaw” is not conforming to authority, whereas Creon’s is much more pronounced in various ways.

On a side note: if a blind old, wise man warns you about something and you happen to be a character in a Greek tragedy (or for that matter, a Shakespearean play), please do take note.

I think the staying power of Antigone is that we live in an age where individuals struggle to overcome conforming to the masses due to the threat of being ridiculed, humiliated, embarrassed, or defamed in some manner. Sometimes one act and “do the right thing” because it is just and righteous and moral, even if said act fails to be in accordance with the powers that be.

Antigone is a short play, yet it is really deep and there is quite a bit to consume, digest and ponder about after the final line, which really is the brilliance in the work. A reader could probably read this play five times and find five different ways to examine and look at this work.
6 people found this helpful
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Amadeus
5.0 out of 5 stars the way I remember
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2023
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Loved this. A wonderful poetic translation.
One person found this helpful
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Michelle L Jay
3.0 out of 5 stars I read it for a class
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
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I found it a little hard to follow but it was good. It only cost nine cents so it was worth it.
One person found this helpful
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Patricia Quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Read…Good deal!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2022
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This play is sad but it’s the version that was recommended by my daughter’s professor so I so I don’t think you can go wrong.
One person found this helpful
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Heather Joubert Bearb
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick easy read for son at school
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2020
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Dont care for the book theme itself, weird book but its a book my son has to read for school. This very thin, easy to read. Just we dont care for theme...its a good book if you like this stuff and or have to read for schoool..
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Jason Petzold
5.0 out of 5 stars 2500 year old wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
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We really haven't changed much
"Nothing so evil as money ever grew to be current among men..."

"Nothing that is vast enters into the life of mortals with out a curse. "
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Top reviews from other countries

Yukti Mehra
5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality and an amazing story....
Reviewed in India on July 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I should start by saying that the book itself, the whole structure of it is pretty well done. The printing is good too, there are no problems at all in understanding the literature. The story itself is wonderful and an absolute classic. The story explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of standing up for what's right. It follows the story of a really courageous and rebellious Antigone who is also the princess of Thebes, who tries to give his now dead brother a proper burial but is asked not to do so by her uncle. The reason being that Antigone's brother, Polynices, was considered a traitor because he fought against his own city, Thebes, in a war. In the rest of the book we read about the consequences she had to face for her actions. Its a very captivating book and does justice to its themes. I could not find any major problems in it. Totally recommended.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2020
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Bought this for class. Gets the job done
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claire
5.0 out of 5 stars great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2013
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great condition, though didn't realise I needed the french re-write and not the original so didn't use in the end
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Vishnu Priya
5.0 out of 5 stars Product is good
Reviewed in India on March 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Condition and all are good but I don't like the story. It's such a TF type of story, learnt nothing from this. I had to buy because it's in my literature syllabus. I just don't like it.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Wonderful book! Any Shakespeare and Greek Tragedy would love it!
So beautifully written, with epic chants of the Chorus that sets the mood in the play.
One person found this helpful
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