Quotes in Antigone
“ We are women, l We cannot fight with men.” -Ismene
Moral Duty vs. Social Expectation
reflects the deeply ingrained gender roles of ancient Greek society. It showcases themes of gender inequality, power dynamics, and obedience versus resistance. Ismene's words underscore the societal expectation that women remain submissive and avoid confrontation with male authority. Her statement not only highlights her own fear and resignation but also sets up a powerful contrast with Antigone, who defies both societal and legal boundaries to uphold moral duty. This moment is crucial in the play as it establishes the personal and political stakes of Antigone’s rebellion, and the broader struggle of individuals—especially women—against oppressive systems.
Viola
A clever and resourceful young woman who survives a shipwreck. She disguises herself as a man named Cesario and becomes a servant to Duke Orsino. She falls in love with Orsino but cannot express it while in disguise.
Beginning: Shipwreck and Disguise
Viola is shipwrecked in Illyria and believes her twin brother Sebastian is dead.
She disguises herself as a man named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino.
Identity and Disguise
Viola’s disguise as Cesario causes confusion and drives the plot.
Themes of gender roles and the fluidity of identity are central, raising questions about how people perceive and present themselves.
Viola’s Disguise (Cesario)
Deception: Viola disguises herself as a man to protect herself after the shipwreck.
Impact:
Causes Olivia to fall in love with “Cesario,” creating a love triangle.
Orsino confides in Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity and feelings.
Viola’s deception leads to emotional confusion but ultimately ends in clarity and love.
“I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy.” - Antigone
Divine Law vs. Human Law
Loyalty and Family Duty
Antigone’s defiance of King Creon’s law in favor of divine law. She believes burying her brother is a sacred duty, even if it leads to her death. The quote is important because it highlights the central conflict between moral/religious duty and political authority. Key themes include divine law vs. human law, loyalty to family, and the courage to stand by one's beliefs.
Sebastian
Viola’s lost twin brother, believed to be dead. He arrives in Illyria, leading to confusion due to his resemblance to Viola (as Cesario). He ends up marrying Olivia.
Love Triangle
Orsino sends Cesario (Viola) to woo Olivia on his behalf.
Olivia falls in love with Cesario (not knowing he’s really Viola).
Viola, meanwhile, secretly loves Orsino.
Folly and Foolishness
Characters like Malvolio, Sir Andrew, and Orsino show foolish behavior driven by pride, love, or ego.
Feste, the fool, ironically proves to be one of the wisest characters, showing that wisdom and foolishness are not always what they seem.
Malvolio’s Trick
Deception: Maria and others forge a letter to convince Malvolio that Olivia loves him.
Impact:
Malvolio behaves absurdly, believing he can rise in social rank.
He is humiliated and imprisoned as mad, showing the cruelty that deception can cause.
His dignity is destroyed, and unlike other characters, he does not find a happy ending.
“The only crime is pride” - Teiresias
The consequences of ignoring divine will
warns that pride (hubris) is the greatest wrongdoing. It criticizes Creon’s stubbornness in refusing to listen to reason or divine warnings. The line is important because it highlights the theme of excessive pride leading to downfall, a common idea in Greek tragedy. It reinforces the message that wisdom, humility, and respect for the gods are more important than power or ego.
Duke Orsino
The romantic and emotional Duke of Illyria. He is in love with Lady Olivia, but eventually realizes his true feelings for Viola.
Malvolio’s Downfall
Maria, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste play a trick on Malvolio, making him think Olivia loves him.
He behaves foolishly and is locked away as if he's mad.
Class and Social Ambition
Malvolio dreams of rising above his status by marrying Olivia, which leads to his downfall.
The play critiques social climbing and shows how ambition can be ridiculed.
. Mistaken Identity – Sebastian and Viola
Deception by confusion, not intention: others mistake Sebastian for Cesario.
Impact:
Olivia unknowingly marries Sebastian.
The mistaken identity brings comic chaos but also resolution when the twins reunite.
“There is nothing worse than disobedience to authority. It destroys cities, it demolishes homes.” - Creon
The danger of absolute power
Authority and control
importance of law and order, claiming that disobedience is the root of chaos and destruction. He believes that loyalty to the state must come before personal feelings or beliefs. This reflects his rigid view of leadership and foreshadows the tragedy caused by his refusal to bend. The quote is important because it reveals Creon’s authoritarian mindset and sets up the central conflict between state law and moral duty.
Malvolio, Feste, Maria
Olivia’s pompous and self-righteous steward. He is tricked by other characters into believing Olivia loves him, leading to a humiliating downfall.
Olivia’s witty and insightful fool (or clown). He offers clever commentary on the actions of others, often speaking truths in a humorous way.
Olivia’s sharp and mischievous maid. She masterminds the prank on Malvolio and eventually marries Sir Toby.
Mistaken Identity
Sebastian, Viola’s twin, arrives in Illyria.
People mistake him for Cesario, leading to comic confusion.
Olivia meets Sebastian and, thinking he is Cesario, marries him.
Love and Desire
Love in the play is intense, confusing, and often one-sided (e.g., Orsino loves Olivia, Olivia loves Cesario, Viola loves Orsino).
Shakespeare explores different types of love: romantic, self-love (Malvolio), friendship, and sibling love.
Feste’s Role as the Wise Fool
Deception: Feste often disguises his wisdom as nonsense.
Impact:
He uses wit and wordplay to expose truths others can't see.
His “foolish” mask allows him to critique characters like Orsino and Malvolio without punishment.
“You are not in a position to know everything that people say or do, or what they feel: your temper terrifies them - everyone will tell you only what you like to hear” Haemon
Pride and stubbornness
Haemon challenges his father Creon, warning him that his anger and authoritarian rule prevent people from speaking honestly. He points out that fear silences truth, and as a result, Creon is surrounded by lies and flattery. This moment is important because it highlights Creon’s isolation as a ruler and Haemon’s voice of reason and moderation. It also reveals the breakdown of communication between generations and foreshadows tragedy caused by Creon’s refusal to listen.
Sir Toby, Sir Andrew
A foolish and wealthy knight who tries (unsuccessfully) to woo Olivia. He’s easily manipulated by Sir Toby.
Olivia’s drunken uncle who loves partying and mischief. He helps plot the prank on Malvolio.
Reunion and Resolution
Viola and Sebastian are reunited and their true identities revealed.
Orsino realizes he loves Viola and proposes to her.
Malvolio, humiliated, vows revenge.
The play ends with celebration and multiple marriages.
Appearance vs. Reality
Much of the comedy comes from mistaken identities and hidden truths.
What characters see or believe often turns out to be false, suggesting that truth is hidden beneath appearances.
Olivia’s love for Cesario is based on illusion, yet it reveals her capacity for passion and boldness.
When she marries Sebastian, the illusion becomes real — mistaken identity leads to genuine love.
At first, Orsino is infatuated with the idea of love more than with Olivia herself.
Through his bond with Cesario (Viola), he experiences genuine emotional connection.
When Viola’s true identity is revealed, he quickly shifts his affection to her, suggesting he was falling for her character all along.
Impact: His emotional journey, sparked by Viola’s disguise, leads to a more mature understanding of love.