44 pages • 1 hour read
Jean AnouilhAntigone
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1944A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Antigone by Jean Anouilh, set in Nazi-occupied France, tells the story of Antigone who defies King Creon's decree by burying her brother Polynices, invoking a higher moral law. As she faces Creon's wrath, she remains steadfast in her beliefs, leading to a contentious debate about justice, authority, and morality, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences. The source material depicts death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jean Anouilh's Antigone has been praised for its powerful reimagining of the classic Greek tragedy, capturing the existential struggles and moral complexities of its characters. Critics appreciate the modern setting and the timeless themes of resistance and duty. However, some find the dialogue overly dense and the philosophical discourse heavy-handed. Overall, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation.
Who Should Read Antigone?
Jean Anouilh's Antigone appeals to readers fascinated by classical tragedy and existentialist themes. Fans of Albert Camus's The Stranger or Sophocles' Oedipus Rex will appreciate its moral complexity and exploration of individual versus state conflict. Its modern adaptation offers a fresh take for both literature enthusiasts and those interested in philosophical dilemmas.