The speech by the Chorus which starts on Line 365 occurs just after Kreon receives the news that Polyneikes has been buried. The speech is about humanity and human abilities. The Chorus speaks to how humans are capable of commandeering their will over parts of nature: “All breeds of carefree bird, savage beast, and deep-sea creature, ingenious man snares in his woven nets” (Lines 377-381). They also address the human ability to adapt to challenges: “He has taught himself speech, wind-quick thought, and all the talents that govern a city” (Lines 387-390).
These lines seem to throw praise at humans for their abilities, but it is important to note what the very first lines of the speech read: “Wonders abound, but none more astounding than man!” (Lines 364-365). A footnote on page 756 tells us that the ancient Greek word for “wonders” actually means “terrible.” This means that the Chorus compares all the human abilities they discuss to dark, terrible forces. This speech is in Antigone because the characters exhibit great power over their circumstances and surroundings, or at least possess the potential to do so.
The speech can be applied to Antigone herself. We know from her conversation with Ismene that Antigone is the one who buried Polyneikes. Lines 400-403 of the speech read, “Exceeding all expectation, his robust power to create sometimes brings evil, at other times, excellence.” Antigone’s decision to bury her brother can be viewed from either lens: evil or excellence. Kreon views it as evil, because he believes Polyneikes was a traitor to his country and does not deserve the honor of burial. However, Antigone believes that her actions exhibit excellence, because she remained loyal to her family and what she believes to be the gods’ wishes to honor and respect the dead.
The speech addresses this very aspect of human ability, which is the idea that humans must make the decision to utilize their resources for good or evil. The speech ends with these lines: “When he follows the laws/ Earth teaches him—/ And Justice, which he’s sworn/ the gods will enforce—/ he soars with his city. But reckless and corrupt/ a man will be driven/ from his nation disgraced” (Lines 404-411). Not only do they apply to Antigone, but these lines also remind readers of Oedipus. While we do not hear from Oedipus directly in Antigone, we know that his actions brought the curse upon the city of Thebes, and he is mentioned throughout the text by Kreon and the other men. Oedipus is a fairly clear example of being “reckless and corrupt” due to the behavior in which he engaged with his mother, but for his daughter Antigone, the analysis is much more complicated. Kreon regards Antigone’s actions as “reckless and corrupt,” but the issue remains uncertain with Antigone. She hangs herself at the end of the play and hence is, in a way, “driven from [her] nation.” However, in ancient Greece, death for a purpose is often regarded as highly honorable. Antigone dies for her family, and one may consider her death one of honor.
Hi Lillian,
This is a very well-written analysis of the ode to man. Coincidentally, I happened to choose this same passage for my post. As such, I gained several insights from reading your interpretation, which differed a bit from mine. For instance, in the third paragraph, you connect the play with Antigone by viewing her character through the dichotomy of the ‘evil vs. excellence’ quote. As you explained, Antigone’s burial of her brother can be considered either as a good or bad use of power, depending on which character’s perspective you choose to judge her passionate actions. Similarly, we each explained its relevance to the play differently; while I solely focused on Kreon’s and his disastrous abuse of power, you successfully argued that the poem can also refer to Oedipus’ recklessness, which can be considered the ultimate cause of the tension in this play.
Great work!