In the Article “Search for the Fallen in a Now-Quiet Forest,” a man named Erwin Kowalke buries the remains of lost Soldier’s bones from World War II. He does this voluntarily and without government or public aid. There is a big similarity between him and Antigone in this sense. Antigone buried her brother even though nobody is allowed to do it. Another similarity is that both of them sometimes perform rituals during the burial of the bodies/bones. However, there are major differences in the reasons for their respective burials. Kowalke buries the remains of anybody he finds. He believes all human life should be respected despite any differences or special relationships he has with them. He buries both Russian and German soldiers. Antigone believes she should bury her brother because he is family and she cares for him. Another difference between these two are the restrictions set upon them. Antigone was told by her Uncle Creon, she or anybody else is forbidden to bury or perform any ritual for her brother. Kowalke has almost no restrictions set on him; he only has people going against his idea of burying Russian soliders in addition to the German soldiers.
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6 comments:
nice summative claim here, when you state that he "believes all human life should be respected despite any differences..." certainly the universal appeal to "human life" is being made here.
I agree with the variety of differences presented here between Kowalke and Antigone. Both of them have different “basis for action”. Kowalke did have a sort of personal link to unburying and reburying the bones of soldiers lost in the war, because his own father died in the war in France. Kowalke wants to do for others what he wishes he could do for his father. While Antigone, has many different debatable reasons for fighting to bury Polynices. To her, he is her brother, someone that cannot be replaced, like a father or husband (according to Antigone). Also, Antigone could also be doing what she is doing for personal gain, for her egoism – just like Joseph mentioned in his article on Antigone. Yet although both may have different motives, they each sacrificed in order to follow what they believe.
bringing up that both make rituals significant is interesting. i think that observing rituals was their motive for action. taking the environment that either Antigone or Kowalke were in greatly affected how they "buried" or performed whichever ritual.
I agree with both of the similarities that you mentioned between Kowalke and Antigone. One significant factor to point out is that Antigone would not have buried her husband, mother, or father. On the other hand, Kowalke buries anyone; family or not family, traitor or patriot. Another thing to add would be the fact that Kowalke was making a large political statement through his actions.
"In relation, other ideologies would not agree with this act." You could elaborate on what "ideologies" you are talking about. Are you referring specifically to Ancient Greek ideology or modern day beliefs? I thought it was interesting that you pointed out a decline in religious emphasis that reflects the potential decrease in value of the body as it moves on.
"In relation, other ideologies would not agree with this act." You could elaborate on what "ideologies" you are talking about. Are you referring specifically to Ancient Greek ideology or modern day beliefs? I thought it was interesting that you pointed out a decline in religious emphasis that reflects the potential decrease in value of the body as it moves on.
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