Motifs in Antigone

THE MOTIFS IN “ANTIGONE”
Some well-known motifs, main elements or themes in pieces of work, were commonly used in Greek playwrights. Antigone has most of these qualities that are usually portrayed as “motifs in Greek writing.” Antigone is a drama about a young princess torn between her king and her pride. Her brothers fought in a battle against each other and wound up killing each other. The brother that fought for his own country received a place among the gods because he was buried. But, the other brother did not receive a proper burial deeming him to no eternal life. Antigone, going against her king’s command by burying her brother, was sentenced to death for disobeying the law. As the tale unravels, several concepts are revealed.
“Know thyself” is a motive used not only in Greek playwrights but also up until the writings in the bible. This phrase suggests that in order to accomplish anything, one must first know their own abilities and desires. I...