Free Essays: Antigone and Ismene in Oedipus at Colonus :: Oedipus at Colonus Essays

Antigone and Ismene in Oedipus at Colonus       Behold this Oedipus, --/ him who knew the famous riddles and was a man most masterly/ not a citizen who did not look with envy on his lot-- see him now and see the breakers of misfortune sw tout ensembleow him (Oedipus the King, 1524-1527). Now that Oedipus has lost everything-- his wife, mother, kingdom, and all power-- his existence rests entirely on the aid of his two daughters. However, that dependence is not evenly distributed between Antigone and Ismene. Even though both daughters provide assistance to Oedipus, the family that Oedipus has with Ismene is weaker in comparison to the firm and unwavering family relationship that he has with Antigone.   Oedipuss incompetence is evident from the very beginning of the play, explaining why he relies on Antigone time and again. When they go deep at the sacred grove at Colonus, Oedipus asks Antigone to leave him and find out if anyone lives nearby, and she says that she can see a man approaching. To which Oedipus follows with more inquiries Is he coming this mode? Has he started towards us? (I, 30). Even after the stranger leaves, Oedipus cannot part that he has exited until Antigone tells him so. Antigone also aids Oedipus by warning him that she sees the Chorus approaching. Oedipus, once a vast intellectual, is not even capable of responding to a simple request of his name without the aid of Antigone My child, what can I say to them? (ii, 214). Additionally, Oedipus seems to need help with every junior-grade move he makes, even for the mere act of being seated Help me sit down take care of the blind man. (I, 21). Luckily for Oedipus, his relationship with Antigone reaches a point where Antigone no longer needs instructions from her father it is assured that she will help him After so long, you need not tell me father (I, 22). Even though Antigone helps her father with everything, Oedipuss reliance on Antigone seems to weigh greatly on her ability to see for him, emphasizing Oedipuss blindness and impotence, as tumefy as the strength of Oedipuss relationship with Antigone.   Oedipus and Antigone have a mutual commitment to each other, supporting the fact that their rapport is greater than the attachment between Oedipus and Ismene.