Why the Reading of Antigone May Just Be One of the Most Important Literary Pieces on the Passaic Academy for Science and Engineering Curriculum

Outspoken, stubborn, and a penchant to be loyal to family even if it ends in death. Sound familiar? Sophocles’ Antigone is a Greek tragedy that centers around Antigone who defied human laws because of her devotion to the Gods and her own conscience. The play touches on a little bit of everything 一 family ties, citizenship, the nature of religion, human tragic flaws, and (unsurprisingly) politics.

Now why exactly is Antigone irreplaceable in a school of science and engineering? In modern society, we see evidence of civil disobedience in the news constantly. With the Black Lives Matter movement, the nation saw many protestors come forward to demand justice from a country whose history and present is stained with inequality and oppression. 

Ignorance is not an excuse because ignorance breeds consequences. We learn from Antigone that speaking up means more than talking and taking action. Speaking up many mean defying the norm and possibly being cast aside by society because you take the step to push for change. It means standing by what you believe in because you believe in more. More for the nation, more for people, and more for you. 

In Antigone, that “more” came in the form of a fiery woman who stood up to male authority and fought for what she believed was right in the face of criticism and death. Antigone might not have worn a crown around her head but she understood the importance of one just the same. 

Antigone was fearless, passionate, proud, and was born of love, not hate. I think we could all draw from her some strength during hard times because problems will continue to arise and someone just needs the courage to step forward.