... circumstances rendered Oedipus' children outcasts in society, destined to live a life of misery and disgrace. suffering at the hands of fathers misguided actions, not their own. The fact that Antigone's suffering was at the hands of another's misguided actions and not her own fills us with pity for her. When, in her opening speech she says "There's nothing, no pain-our lives are pain-no private shame, no public disgrace, nothing I haven't seen in your griefs and mine", we feel immense sorrow for her. Also, the fact that there was nothing she could have done to avoid her destiny seems cruel and unjust, deepening our sympathy for Antigone, who is truly the tragic heroine. We quickly come to learn of the events that have passed between Antigone's brothers Eteocles and Polynices. Again, the audience feel it is unfair that Antigone has lost her loved ones, probably the only comfort in ...

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