Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Nora and Antigone, True Tragic Heroines Sophocles’ Antigone along with Ibsen’s A Doll’s House are plays that place the main characters in tough personal situations which must be overcame by personal strength. Both playwrights uncharacteristically use female protagonists, Nora and Antigone, which are placed in tough situations. Antigone and Nora must choose whether it is more important to follow society’s set standards for women, or make their own decisions based on what they feel is noble and just. Both women could be considered as cultural heroines because they overcame family adversities by defying the social standards set for women. Antigone and Nora appear to be different when it comes to values and morals. Nora comes off as a whimsical character that is light-hearted and shallow. Torvald, her husband, refers to her as his “song bird” and little “squirrel.” The nicknames Torvald uses to speak to Nora seem to be childish and degrading. Torvald has authority over Nora and represses her, whic