This is a reply within a larger thread: view the whole thread

Antigone
in reply to a message by Obie
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).
vote up1vote down

Replies

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.
vote up1vote down