Conflicts in Antigone and Lysistrata In Antigone and Lysistrata the tension between polis and oikos is reflected in different ways. Antigone gives priority to the oikos over the polis, while Creon gives priority to the polis over the oikos. Lysistrata's men prefer to fight for the state rather than stay at home, while the women want their husbands with them instead of being at war. We find ample evidence of several conflicts and similarities in both works, but the fact that the male prioritizes the polis over the oikos and the fact that the woman prioritizes the oikos over the polis causes the central tension in Antigone and Lysistrata. Sophocles' Antigone, a tragedy, written around 441 BC, has been interpreted in various ways as a conflict between family and state. Both sides have a clear concept of where their duty lies and are determined to follow its dictates. Creon, acting in the interests of the state, finds it politically expedient to deny burial to the traitor Polyneices. On the other hand, Antigone, acting in the interests of the family, argues that the right to burial surpasses all other considerations. For her, a proper burial is the unwritten law of heaven, so she performs the last rites on her brother's body and is sentenced to death. Sophocles portrays two strong-willed people, Creon and Antigone, in conflict in the play. Antigone's first priority is her family, while Creon's is his state. In an attempt to persuade her sister Ismene to help her bury her brother Polyneices, she states: "Now we will soon find out / Whether you are the true daughter of your lineage, / Or whether you will dishonor your noble blood" (38-40). Antigone is telling Ismene that a legitimate daughter will always favor the family member. He gives Ismene two options: If Ismene chooses to help Antigonus... middle of paper... conflict arises when Creon orders the worst Greek punishment for the traitor Polyneices. Antigone, for whom family pride is everything, will not tolerate the insult. However, in both works, the priority of women is oikos, which contrasts with the priority of men of polis. These contrasting visions create the central tension in both works. Works Cited Sophocles. Antigone. Oedipus the King and Antigone. Trans. Peter D. Arnott. Arlington Heights, IL: Davidson, Crofts Classics, 1960 Aristophanes. Lysistrata. Lysistrata and other comedies. Trans. Alan H. Sommerstein. New York: Penguin Books, 1973. Antigone plus tragedy. Complicated problems, versatility and Sophocles. Lesson. Liza Kildegaard. CFL, October 2, 1997. Aristophanes plus Comedy. Stupidity, wickedness and complicated problems. Lesson. Carol Gilbertson. CFL, October 7, 1997.