Journal #12

The conflicting idea of ugly vs pretty is seen through Antigone and Ismene. In the beginning, the chorus describes Ismene as more beautiful than Antigone. Not only are their looks in contrast of ugly vs pretty, but their situations could also be seen as ugly or pretty. Antigone is in an ugly situation, faced with the possibility of death due to her adamant belief that her brother must be buried. She also has some doubts about Haemon loving her, knowing that Ismene is the girl that most people thought Haemon would marry. Ismene is not exactly in a pretty situation, but it is better than Antigone's situation. Ismene is simply in her place trying to avoid any type of conflict. When talking to Creon, Antigone goes on to talk about becoming beautiful. She claims her father was ugly as well but became beautiful at the end when all of his questions had been answered. When there was no doubt and everything was certain, her father became beautiful. It seems Antigone thinks death will make her beautiful, when there is no hope left. I think Anouilh creates this tension to show how unafraid Antigone is of death. She will do whatever it takes to fulfill her desires, even if it means dying. It seems Antigone does not fear death, but almost looks at it as a way of becoming beautiful.