The comparison to a mother lies in the nurturing, protective, and devoted nature of both Antigone and a mother figure. Antigone's love and determination to honor her brother's burial rights aligns her with the traditionally maternal role of caring for and protecting one's family. However, the context in which she exhibits these qualities subverts the norms assigned to women in ancient Greek society.
The irony arises because, in most ancient Greek societies, women were relegated to domestic duties and were not expected to actively engage in matters of politics, law, or societal disputes. They were primarily confined to the household and were not seen as possessing the agency or authority to make decisions that could challenge male dominance or established norms.
By portraying Antigone as a woman who defies these boundaries, asserting her moral principles, and challenging the authority of a king, Sophocles creates an ironic contrast. He challenges the gender roles and power structures of his time, highlighting the inherent tension between the nurturing maternal qualities and the fierce independence and agency displayed by Antigone.
Moreover, it becomes ironic that Antigone, known for her unwavering loyalty to her family, is forced to choose between her duties as a sister and the demands of the state, a dilemma traditionally faced by male characters in Greek tragedies. This reversal further underscores the complexity and irony surrounding her character and the subversion of gender norms in the play.