Violence and Sophocles' Antigone

While reading Antigone I noticed that the violent scenes were not included on the stage. They were usually told through a messenger and reported to the audience. This is seen in the play because the sentry told King Creon about the burial of Polynices and is also heard when the messenger tells the audience about the murders of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice. This is unique to Greek tragedies and also made it easier to perform on stage. Had these scenes been acted on stage during these productions the audience may not have liked this so much.

Violence may not have been well received by the people of Greece. It is kind of violence seen in movies and television of today. Not all shows or movies are suitable for younger children. Violent movies, like the Saw series or any other gory movie, have ratings that warn parents about whether the movies or television shows can be watched by younger children. Traditional plays like Antigone were watched by all people and it was almost like a tradition that everyone comes see the productions. So had the Greek tragedies show violent scenes this would not be well received and not as many people would have come to watch the plays. They needed to be suitable for people of all ages.

I do not find the play as interesting without the violent scenes left out, but I suppose if I was a little younger then the violent scenes may have frightened me. I would actually really like to see a production of Antigone that includes the violent scenes. But of course that is just me!