Antigone or The Right to Kill A social dissonance case study deriving
from the house of Œdipus
Abstract
This paper delves into the intricate relation between the terms
social dissonance, necropolitics, and Sophocles’ tragedy,
Antigone. By attempting an interdisciplinary analysis and by bringing
together elements of contemporary art, political theory, and classical
literature, I will explore the complex dynamics between social
dissonance, necropolitics, and the quest for human dignity. While
examining Antigone’s defiance in the face of oppressive power, we are
reminded of the enduring importance of dissent and the indomitable
spirit of individuals striving for justice and autonomy in the face of
oppressive systems. Drawing parallels between the socio-political
context in which Sophocles wrote Antigone and contemporary
manifestations of necropolitics, this paper illuminates the enduring
relevance of the play. Moreover, it emphasizes the contemporary
significance of social dissonance, as proposed by Mattin (2022), in
understanding power struggles and forms of resistance. The collision of
these concepts and ideas occurs in their shared focus on power dynamics
and the resistance against oppressive systems: they explore the ways in
which power operates, so as to control and manipulate individuals and
communities, creating conditions of discord and subjugation. They
emphasize the potential for resistance, challenging dominant narratives
and asserting the agency and dignity of marginalized voices. When
examining the intersection of necropolitics and social dissonance, one
can analyse how the exercise of necropolitical power leads to social
dissonance by silencing dissent, suppressing alternative narratives, and
perpetuating oppressive structures. The clash between the dominant
necropolitical regime and the underlying social dissonance exposes the
tension and contradictions within society, laying the foundation for
resistance movements and the pursuit of justice and autonomy.