Throughout the play “Antigone” by Sophocles two separate ideologies are presented throughout. One of these ideologies surrounds itself with the belief that fate is something that cannot be changed and is bestowed upon someone when they enter this world whether it’s good or bad. The opposing ideology is quite the opposite with its belief rooting itself in the thought that one's fate is decided through the choices that they make in their life rather than unknown forces doing so. When looking at the play overall it becomes clear to see that it promotes the ideas of self decision being the prominent ideology throughout with how characters react to decisions they do or see being done.
As the “Antigone” plays out examples of the ideology of free will becomes prevalent even from the start till the end. One example of this is found when Antigone is talking with Ismene about the law Creon had created surrounding their brother, “Will you take up that corpse along with me? / To bury him you mean, when it’s forbidden? /… / O hard of mind! When Creon spoke against it!” (Sophocles 42-47) When taking a closer look into this quote it clearly shows the will that Antigone has when it comes to burying her brother. From the moral belief and familial tie she shares with him, this is the reason why she does what she does rather than letting fate decide her next action.
As “Antigone” proceeds another example of free will being present arises from Ismene and her decision to help and defend her sister when questioned as to why she buried her brother. Ismene chose to help and defend her sister. This example has the sisters saying, “Justice will noy allow this. You did not wish for a part, nor did I give you one. / You are in trouble, and i’m not ashamed to sail beside you into suffering.” (Sophocles 538-541) After reading this quote by the pair it shows a part of Ismene which wasn’t seen earlier in the play, a side of courage. The courage which allowed her to see the injustice that was being brought upon her sister while also being able to partake in a punishment which she had no involvement in. Free will is the thing that allows for these actions to happen.
One last example arises near the end of the play “Antigone” with the defiance which Haemon shows to his father through his speech. When Haemon demonstrates this sign of self independence he says, “If you weren’t my father, I should call you mad. / You wish to speak but never wish to hear.” (Sophocles 755-757) When analyzing this quote it shows how he has grown into his own person rather than following whatever his father says he puts his foot down and goes against him. The actions which Creon took lead to this newfound self independence for Haemon with the death punishment his soon to be wife was given.
Overall the discussion between Fate vs Free Will in “Antigone” can be seen from both perspectives throughout the many examples in the play. Although there’s evidence to support both claims the argument for free will is a more solid and sound claim from the crucial parts of the play being grounded in its characters free will. From Antigone going against Creon to bury her brother, Ismene standing up for her sister, and Haemon going against his father for his beliefs as a person pushed him to do so. These actions are the stones which free will are built on through life and in tough situations rather than fate.
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