Topic: An exploration of Athenians’ conceptions of democracy versus authoritarian rule, as exemplified in the play “Antigone.” Thesis: In his play “Antigone,” Sophocle uses the plight of his young protagonist as a metaphor for Athenians’ and his own ambivalence towards tyrannical rule. 1. Historical context—Athens between wars and menaced by hostile city states 1. Persian and Peloponnesian wars 2. Athenian relations with Sparta and others 1. Secondary source: Athens—A Fragile Crucible 1. Sophocles as epitome of Athenian self-determination and self-rule 1. Secondary source: Athens—A Fragile Crucible 2. Textual evidence: Antigone (ch 2 vs. 1) 1. Antigone’s embodiment of Sophocles’ and Athenians’ world views Textual evidence: “A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind.” 1. As a philosopher and writer, Sophocles prized knowledge above all else 2. Athenians were well known for their ability to think outside the box in times of both war and peace 3. This was considered by many to be an affront to the “proper way” of practicing statecraft. 1. Antigone’s aversion towards authoritarian rule Textual evidence: “A city which belongs to just one man is no true city.” 1. Sophocles was a strong proponent of democracy and disagreed completely with authoritarianism 2. As Antigone sees her Thebes as a “false” city under the tyranny of Creon, so Sophocles mourns for Athens suffering under the strain of civil war and Sparta’s encroachment 1. The ultimate defeat of tyranny Textual evidence: “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride [hubris].” 1. The pride of Sparta as catalyst for Athens’ downfall 2. Refusal of Spartans and Athenians to compromise (hubris)