Family Matters

Since I have missed the entire discussion of Antigone, I will attempt to hold my own AP English discussion in my own home (all is the same except for a smaller table and less formal attire is acceptable, such as pj’s). So, here are my thoughts on the questions that Mr. Coon has posted. I will have to substitute the comments section for the opinions that would normally be expressed during class discussion.

Why is Antigone’s dilemma important?

I think that the question “why is Creon’s dilemma important?” is just as pertinent of a question. Both Antigone and Creon face life-altering dilemmas. The difference is that Creon is not only held accountable to his family, but the entire country as well. His actions directly impact the future of his rule of Thebes and his legacy. Antigone’s loyalties lay solely with her family rather than the social customs and laws of the country. It is Antigone’s familial duty to take care of her brother regardless of his actions.

Antigone’s struggle is important because it is a demonstration of the strong bond between family members. Antigone knows that both of her brothers were deplorable men, but that does not relieve her from fulfilling her familial commitment. The old adage of “you can pick your nose but you can’t pick your family” is particularly well suited for Antigone. (Now here comes the sappy moment) No matter what, family is the most important bond in the world and through inexplicable forces; it determines so many of our actions.

Is either person or position clearly wrong?

Personally I do not think that either Antigone or Creon is “wrong” in their beliefs but Creon’s actions are “wrong.” Antigone and Creon have a responsibility to a different set of people and personal interests. Creon has ascended to the throne which requires him to place the needs of the “Thebians” above his own personal agenda. To rule effectively Creon must believe in the human institution of governance. Antigone, on the other hand, embodies a reverence for the bonds of family. Creon had the opportunity to be more tactful and compassionate while upholding his values which is his fundamental flaw. As the Chorus so artfully expresses, “there is no happiness where there is no wisdom.”

I think that Sophocles would agree with my position because although he killed off Antigone, she died on her own terms and in partnership with the love of her life. Creon is then left to live in the absence of his loves, which is the more severe punishment of the two.

Better Late than Never for Ivan

In the novella “The Death of Ivan Illyich,” Leo Tolstoy uses Ivan’s death as an instrument to examine the substance of Ivan’s life. By placing Ivan’s death at the beginning of the novella, the reader is left in no doubt of the outcome. Ivan’s co-workers and wife offer frank, unflattering information about their perceptions of Ivan. At Ivan’s funeral, Tolstoy employs Ivan’s loved ones, to demonstrate that Ivan lived a superficial, selfish life. Not only did Ivan not accomplish anything praiseworthy, he lived a self-centered existence with no emotional attachment to others.

Choosing to surround himself with people just like himself, Ivan showed no desire for substantive relationships. As an example, his wife was not devastated by losing Ivan. She was not even sad. Instead, she gave herself over to self-pity rather than grief. She was put out by the inconvenience of Ivan’s death. Ivan’s co-workers did not mourn the loss of a friend. Ivan’s death offered them the opportunity for professional advancement.

The novella’s characters reflect the picture of Ivan’s materialism and his desire to maintain the facades of high society, until the introduction of Gerasim. Tolstoy artfully employs Gerasim as a foil to Ivan. By contrast, Gerasim embodies the good that Ivan lacks. In the final days of his life, Gerasim selflessly cares for Ivan. In these last days, Ivan finds comfort in Gerasim. Ivan recognizes his own shortcomings and feels a mounting hatred for the people in his life and the choices he has made. For the first time, Ivan is touched by the happy warmth that can come from helping others. This concept, one which was foreign to his previous nature, makes Ivan question the merit of his actions and his life as a whole.

Gerasim offers a glimmer of hope in a predominantly depressing novella. His character demonstrates the power of generosity, commitment and kindness. For a sap like me, Gerasim provides an uplifting reminder of the good that people can do, even in a discouraging world such as Ivan’s in “The Death of Ivan Illyich”