Authority In Antigone

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Our lives are defined by the decisions we make. Whether that be what to eat for breakfast or what college to go to, every choice that is made defines us as a person and it affects the people surrounding us. Our beliefs make one of the largest impacts in our life. They dictate every choice we make. Our choices and beliefs don’t have a right or wrong, becoming an issue of why we decide to put our faith in something. In Antigone, Sophocles’ contrasting characterization demonstrates Antigone’s personal morals and Ismene’s belief in authority and how individuals must decide between the two, even though both options may result in torment.
Sophocles’ contrasting characterization demonstrates that Antigone is determined to abide by her personal morals, …show more content…
Yes, against me… Will you help me? Will you do something with me? Will you? Would you help me lift the body… you and me?” (Sophocles 127). Sophocles’ use of the words “against” and “order” demonstrate willingness to violate authority for her brother, regardless of going against the rule of her uncle and king. Additionally, Sophocles’ characterization by having Antigone say “you and me” illustrate that she would rather do it with her sister, than alone, displaying that she values her family and her personal morals over the authority of Creon. The repetition of “Will you help me?” also displays that Antigone has become desperate in wanting to properly bury her brother and follow her personal beliefs. She recognizes that Ismene is against her personal beliefs, but is willing to beg. While it is a difficult choice, Antigone ultimately decides that her personal morals are more important than authority, but because of this, she is also opposing Ismene. Antigone’s personal morals and how much she values her brother’s burial then lead her to lose the relationship she had with her sister. To continue, when Creon discovers what Antigone has done and punishes her, she says, “It was by this service to your dear

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