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ArchivesRe: Antigone
in reply to a message by Yannis
Antigone is there said to mean 'against birth'. Should that be taken as 'one who doesn't like to be born', or 'one who doesn't like to give birth', or something else? (BTW I see that Antigonus is there explained as 'like ancestor' which is completely different; a bit strange I have to say.)
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Antigone
Well, it is ambiguous...
This is because of the different meanings of "anti" in composite
words. Please have a look at
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/resolveform?lang=Greek
using as search terms "anti" and "gonos". "Antigone" is a feminine
form of "Antigonos" (latinized="Antigonus")
Considering the tragedies about Antigone and her father both meanings
may apply, i.e. "like her father/mother" or "against birth". I would
say that this "against birth" actually means "against
family/genus(=clan)"
"Against birth" may also mean "against her own sex". Considering that
Antigone defied king's orders, she did something opposite
to her position as woman (as perceived in ancient times).
Well, it is ambiguous...
This is because of the different meanings of "anti" in composite
words. Please have a look at
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/resolveform?lang=Greek
using as search terms "anti" and "gonos". "Antigone" is a feminine
form of "Antigonos" (latinized="Antigonus")
Considering the tragedies about Antigone and her father both meanings
may apply, i.e. "like her father/mother" or "against birth". I would
say that this "against birth" actually means "against
family/genus(=clan)"
"Against birth" may also mean "against her own sex". Considering that
Antigone defied king's orders, she did something opposite
to her position as woman (as perceived in ancient times).
1
I would say your final comment makes the most sense. The word antagonize is derived from the same roots as Antigone - to go against etc etc.
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