For centuries, Antigone was considered to be (in the words of Hegel) “the most sublime and in every respect the consummate works of art human effort has ever brought forth.”

Additionally, Antigone was recognised as one of the great characters of the theatre or, to quote Hegel again, “that noblest of figures that ever appeared on earth.” A character that illustrated the paradox that a civilization which did not allow women a public role produced works of art with female protagonists of genuine heroic stature.

We will discuss the play in detail, attempting to understand what Sophocles may have intended. We will also discuss some of the philosophers for whom the Antigone has been a fundamental work for understanding the tragic aspect of human existence.