Parenting Quote by Sophocles
““Ah me! think, sister, how our father perished, amid hate and scorn, when sins bared by his own search had moved him to strike both eyes with self-blinding hand; then the mother wife, two names in one, with twisted noose did despite unto her life; and last, our two brothers in one day,-each shedding, hapless one, a kinsman's blood,-wrought out with mutual hands their common doom. And now we in turn-we two left all alone think how we shall perish, more miserably than all the rest, if, in defiance of the law, we brave a king's decree or his powers. Nay, we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things, and in things yet sorer. I, therefore, asking the Spirits Infernal to pardon, seeing that force is put on me herein, will hearken to our rulers. for 'tis witless to be over busy.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Antigone (attributed), ancient Greek tragedy
Women confront oppressive authority, fearing dire consequences while yearning for agency.
In simple terms: Women face limited power and dangerous choices.
Key Takeaway
Recognize constraints, seek solidarity.
Themes
oppression
gender
authority
fate
Mood
tragic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family disputes
- legal oppression
- social rebellion
- personal sacrifice
Key Concepts
patriarchal law
tragic destiny
family duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can women assert agency safely?
- What alternatives exist to defy unjust law?
A Different Perspective
Risk of glorifying fatalism over agency.
