Antagonism is a contradiction, confrontation, an irreconcilable struggle of the opposing forces. This term originated in ancient Greece. But today the word "antagonism" is quite common. Examples of the use of this noun are given in the article.
General meaning
As already mentioned, this word has an ancient Greek origin. In modern Russian, there are several synonyms for it. Antagonism is a word that is close in meaning to such concepts as rivalry, struggle, competition, contradiction, confrontation. "Dislike" is another synonym. "Antagonism" is a term that occurs in various areas of human activity. And, of course, it is not always possible to replace it with one of the words given above. Consider the use of this concept in various cases.
Biology
Antagonism is a type of relationship between microorganisms in which a certain part of them affects the rest, inhibiting and slowing down their growth. What caused this "hostility"? As a rule, it occurs when part of the microorganisms begins to secrete chemicals with antibiotic properties. Such properties inhibit the growth of other living organisms. Microorganisms that secrete a chemical get a sort of competitive advantage. The concept of antagonism can be found in many areas of biology. But the most understandable is an example of the effect on the body of antibiotics - medications that doctors prescribe for various inflammatory processes. The substance contained in them acts as an antagonist of pathogenic microflora. The antibiotic suppresses it and thus eliminates inflammation.
In this example, it is easy to understand the meaning of the word "antagonism." The term is also found in history, and in philosophy, and in religion. In each case, it has certain semantic nuances. But in any case, if the noun “antagonism” is present in the text, it is a matter of fierce competition, rivalry, struggle, which will never lead to reconciliation.
Social antagonism
Scientists distinguish several types of contradictions that arise in society. But we are only interested in one of them - antagonistic. That is, one that is characterized by a sharp interrelating of the parties. Antagonism is a struggle in which there can be only one winner. And an example of such irreconcilable hostility can be seen if we recall the main events in the domestic history of the twentieth century. We are talking about the class struggle that began after the revolutionary events in our country.
The idea of dividing society into groups was known to thinkers around the world long before the February Revolution. The events that took place in France at the end of the eighteenth century were inspired by many cultural figures in Russia. However, contradictions in Russian society reached their peak much later.
Class struggle
Antagonism is not a sluggish contradiction between groups of people, but a struggle in which the strongest wins. In the Soviet Union, the class struggle was waged against representatives of the old regime. It began in the twenties and continued for a long time, even when the victory over the opponents of the new ideology was won.
In art
In the literature, a phenomenon such as antagonism is quite common. Especially in the works of ancient authors or playwrights of the era of classicism. But in modern prose, there are antagonists - heroes who prevent the main character from achieving his goal. But in the literature of the twentieth century it is more difficult to identify such a hero than, for example, in the drama of Sophocles or the comedy of Moliere. Moreover, an antagonist can be not only a single character, but also a group of images and even social or political conditions.
There are many examples of antagonism in the literature. One of them can be seen in Kesey’s book “Above the Cuckoo’s Nest”. The main character is McMurphy. His goal is freedom. McMurphy antagonists are the main nurse and other patients who are used to living in fear and absolute obedience.