The Play reproduced by Jean Anouilh, Antigone, was first performed in 1942 Paris

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How the play Antigone was influenced by the historical period it was written in.

The Play ‘Antigone’ written by Jean Anouilh, in 1942, was not performed until 1944 in Paris. At this time Nazi’s had control of France. The play was not allowed to go ahead as it showed sign of being anti-Nazi, but how far was this play influenced by the historical period it was written in?

In August 1942, Paul Collete, acting alone and in full knowledge of his certain death, fired at and wounded a group of directors during a meeting of the collaborationist group ‘legion des Volontaires’. It is quite obvious, in the play that this solitary act inspired Anouilh and that throughout the play he shows support for this mans sacrifice through the character Antigone. He is said to have found this act ‘heroic, gratuitous, and futile—captured the essence of tragedy’ This is made all the more apparent as after hearing about this act he immediately ordered a rewrite of Antigone.

Throughout the play Antigone is shown opposing the regime for what she believes is right. This could be likened to standing against the Nazi’s. As It was likely that if you were to stand up to the Nazi’s you would be killed or sent to a concentration camp, like how Antigone was sent to death. That for the good of your country you should follow the orders and the punishment will be easier on everyone. For example; ‘Creon. For whom then if not for them and not for Polynices either? Antigone. For nobody. For myself.’ This may reflect the feelings of those in the resistance movement. They may have felt that although their deaths may not change anything, that it was either a worthwhile cause or better to die than to put up with the regime, the latter is the attitude most applicable to Antigone as she does not seem to believe she will change anything.

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Toward the end of Antigone’s life, she proposes a good point. ‘And I don’t even know what I am dying for.’ It could be said that if your death promotes not change, then in fact you are dying for no reason. This would have been a feeling felt by many in the resitsance movement, doubting the strength of their actions and how much they could help, Anouilh himself may have felt this. However it was due to those who rose up against the stronger power that the Second World War was won and Hitler was defeated.

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