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 masterful/ not a citizen who did not smell with envy on his lot-- see him now and see the breakers of fortuity swallow him (Oedipus the King, 1524-1527). Now that Oedipus has lost e trulything-- 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. however though both daughters provide assistance to Oedipus, the relationship that Oedipus has with Ismene is weaker in par to the firm and unwavering 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 arrive at the sacred grove at Colonus, Oedipus asks Antigone to leave him and find out if anyone lives nearby, and she says that she commode see a man approaching. To which Oedipus follows with more inquiries Is he coming this expressive style? Has he started towards us? (I, 30). Even after the stranger leaves, Oedipus cannot tell 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 great intellectual, is not even capable of responding to a simple implore of his name without the aid of Antigone My child, what can I say to them? (ii, 214). Additionally, Oedipus seems to need suspensor with every little move he makes, even for the mere crook of being seated Help me sit down take charge of the blind man. (I, 21). Luckily for Oedipus, his relationship with Antigone reaches a point where Antigone no nightlong needs instructions from her father it is assured that she will help him by and by 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 top executive to see for him, emphasizing Oedipuss blindness and impotence, as well as the effectualness of Oedipuss relationship with Antigone.   Oedipus and Antigone have a mutual commitment to each other, financial backing the fact that their rapport is greater than the attachment between Oedipus and Ismene.