Antigone: Breaking Down Gender Barriers

In my opinion, I believe Ismene is both right and wrong about that they could not fight with
men.

Ancient Greek society back then was making men more superior than women. It was a gender-
specific society which dictated the roles of men and women. Ancient Greek society was a patriarchal
society meaning the society is dominated by men. Only men have absolute power and are involved in
politics, wars, and can be the head of the family. On the contrary, women have no power in society, they
are only responsible for childbearing and house running.

These are the factors which made Ismene believe that fighting against men is completely absurd.
She made the right choice in surrendering to Creon’s orders considering that women have no power that
time against men because the society is dominated by men. Following the orders of men like Creon will
make their life easier and will cause no further problems. However, Ismene is wrong about being
contented and settling for that structure of society. Antigone despite being a woman stood up for her
own beliefs. Women can also do most of the things men can do and they can even do things men cannot
do. Men and women are both humans and therefore each of them can do anything they want if they
have the will and the capacity to do so.

This should be instilled in the mindset of all people. No gender is more superior and inferior to
one another. Each has its strengths and weaknesses which can be fulfilled by each other. Not only
equality should be present but also justice. There are things men cannot do and women can and vice
versa and this should be understood and respected by all. Today, modern women are comparable to
Antigone’s actions because of her wit, strength, and determination. They have broken the barrier
between gender roles in modern society. By doing so, we are one step closer in achieving equity to make
the world a better place to live in.