Burial at Thebes

Mia Britton Mrs. baker DRA 110 4 March 2013 The Burial at Thebes The gyp Burial at Thebes is a ripe translation of Antigone by Sophocles and Seamus Heaney is credited for this recent translation. The plot organize used in Heaneys cream can be described as episodic. This play stands out as episodic because of its early pourboire of attack. For example, at the start of the opening scene Antigone approaches her sister Ismene with news that poof Creon has issued a proclamation that their brothers physical structure should not receive a proper burial, and that anyone trying to bury him will be stoned to death.She intends to pass up the law and bury Polynecies but, Ismene refuses to assist Antigone. Therefore, Antigone disowns Ismene and pledges never to accept her aid. Another example of episodic play structure in The Burial at Thebes when Eurydice hears from the messengers the death of her discussion she leaves in silence and King Creon returns with his dead password Haemon in his arms. The messengers approach King Creon with grievous news that his wife Eurydice has return keyn her life. These examples prove that Seamus Heaneys utilisation is episodic because after one incident another incident approaches.The protagonist can be delimit as the central character in a play or the person who the story is just about and experiences the most changes. In Seamus Heaneys play there atomic number 18 two possible protagonists Antigone and Ismene. Antigone can be considered a protagonist because the play revolves around her rebelling against the King and his resolution to not bury her brothers body. Another protagonist is Ismene because during the opening scene she tells Antigone that she will not assist her in burying her brother.As the track of the play continues Ismene realizes what is right and defends her sister against King Creon by saying that she will die along with her sister. Ismene similarly tries to convince King Creon to not take her sisters life by asking him whether he would kill the bride of his son since Haemon is meant to marry Antigone. Ismenes attitude changes from a noble citizen to that of a martyr. An antagonist can be outlined as a person who is opposed to the protagonist or the goal of the protagonist. In Burial atThebes King Creon appears to be the antagonist because he is against burying or awarding any ceremonial rights to Antigone and Ismenes brother. As the play begins King Creon tells the elders of Thebes that anyone who awards a proper burial for Polyneices would be put to death. When King Creon finds about Antigones actions he declares that some(prenominal) sisters will be put to death. Antigone explains that she knew of his decree and she only answers to Zeus, the gods didnt lay down these laws for manipulation, and that she will contribute the gods judgment for the burial.King Creon decides that he doesnt want the pedigree of Antigone on his hand so he believes the outdo way to take her life is by b urying her under rocks with food. These acts made by King Creon are evidence that he is the antagonist in the play Burial at Thebes. The play Burial at Thebes was intended to teach and educate its audience on societies and politics. Seamus Heaney displays a mightful King that doesnt take advice from anyone. A few examples of King Creon not heeding to advice is first seen when his son Haemon tries to urge him to be open to both opinions.He dismisses his son calling him a woman slave. Even the elders question King Creons by stating that he should listen to his sons request. Creon becomes irritated and questions the elders whether they should be taught by a young boy. King Creon was in any case approached by Teirasis and says, The gods do not take the prayers or sacrifices of the Thebans, and the birds cries are muffled because the birds throats are glutted with the blood of Polyneices. Teiresias explains the significance of taking counsel, and says that a man who makes a mistake and then corrects it brings no shame on himself.King Creon once again does not heed to wise counsel and believes that just because he has authoritative power that he doesnt require counsel. Seamus Heaney also exhibits bravery in his characters in which his audience members can run into from. For example, not only did Antigone represent bravery, but Haemon exemplified Bravery by standing up to his father. These acts of bravery appeared subaltern at the beginning, but towards the end of the play they actually made a difference. All in all, these examples prove that Seamus Heaneys work is educational and displayed politics.