What does the ending of "Antigone" ultimately reflect?

The ending of "Antigone" ultimately reflects the victory of fate over free will due to the unfolding events that demonstrate how the characters' struggles against their predetermined destinies lead to tragic outcomes. Throughout the play, Antigone is faced with the irreversible consequences of fate, as her lineage is cursed and her actions, while motivated by personal and moral beliefs, are ultimately ineffective against the forces that have been set in motion by the gods and fate itself.

The conclusion emphasizes that despite her strong will and desire to honor her brother, her tragic fate is unavoidable and predetermined. Each character, including Creon and Antigone, finds themselves at the mercy of their fates, highlighting how personal choices cannot alter the inevitability of destiny. This element of the play invites the audience to reflect on the limits of human agency and the overarching power of fate that governs their lives, portraying a grim reality where free will is overshadowed by the forces of destiny.