Antigone Is A Bird

The governing metaphor in this passage is Sentry comparing Antigone to a bird. "And she cried out a sharp, piercing cry, like a bird coming back to an empty nest." (471-472) When the Sentry is saying this he is describing how he witnessed Antigone crying out at the corpse. In this metaphor, Antigone represents the bird and Polynices represents the babies. "And she scoops up dry dust, handfuls, quickly, and lifting a fine bronze urn, lifting it high and pouring, she crowns the dead with three full libations." (477-479) Birds are very caring for their young and as Antigone does this to Polynices she is showing how much she cares and her loyalty towards him and her family. Throughout the beginning of the story we know that Antigone was loyal to her family. This moment is significant to her character development because it proves that she does not care what Creon thinks or says and it shows the theme of pride that is demonstrated throughout the story.

~Mufaro M.