When it comes to the notions of the law in Sophocles’ Antigone, most of us will readily agree that there were many contrasting beliefs among the characters. However, where this agreement usually ends is on the question of whether the law of the divine or the law of man is superior. The many instances in which the law of the divine and the law of man clash in Sophocles’ Antigone, and the many instances in which the laws of the gods are disobeyed in Homer’s the Odyssey suggest that the law of the divine always prevails above all else. To begin with, in Sophocles’ Antigone, religion and the state are not necessarily in alignment and are often contradicting each other.…
She thought that she had to do what was right for her brother. She wanted to make sure he had a proper burial. ”I deny nothing”, She even took all the blame for everything she did not deny anything to Creon. Antigone new if she did something that she wasn't suppose to do, she knew she would have gotten in trouble or be punished for it. Antigone did not mind the trouble she was gonna get into, she knew she was doing the right thing.…
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” In Antigone two sisters are disputing ther view on morals and the law. One sister, Antigone believes she should disobey the law in order to bury her brother. While her sister believes in following the rules. Antigone and Ismene are similar in the ways they want to bury their brother, but differ in their views on breaking the law.…
As the great Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sophocles both had the same idea of selfishness causing destruction Sophocles just wrote a play displaying that idea instead of saying it. In Antigone the famous play written by Sophocles, Antigone and her sister Ismene also Oedipus’s children decide to return to Thebes with the intention of helping their brothers, Eteocles and Polynices to avoid the fate that displays they will kill each other in a battle for the throne of Thebes. But upon her arrival in Thebes, Antigone learns that both of her brothers are dead. Eteocles has been given an…
Santirocco, author of “Justice in Sophocles’ Antigone,” states, “ [Antigone and Creon are a lot alike] both are isolated, both are stubborn, both respond to others, including those who love them, in the same imperious way, and both doom themself and others by their actions. The greatest similarity, though, lies in their pursuit of justice” (186). Antigone knows from the beginning what her morals are, which are steering her actions. She felt she was on the side of justice for what she did, and leaving her brother out to rot in her eyes was unjust. Antigone knew the punishment that lied ahead, but because her love and relationship with her brother was strong she was unconcerned of the consequence.…
Action, Belief and Rational Thought: An In-depth Examination of Antigone In Sophocles’ work The Three Theban Plays, Antigone represents the pinnacle of ancient greek tragedies. In this story we witness the character of Antigone defend her integrity and her beliefs which ultimately leads to her demise. However, when examining the actions of Antigone what is most interesting is her unflinching faith in the word of the gods and her belief in their Eternal Law. But what is eternal law?…
The focal point of Sophocles’ Antigone is the protagonist’s desire and search for justice. Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, is the play’s tragic heroine who fights against the evil Creon, the current King of Thebes. Her rebellion against the king was ignited by her thirst for justice, stopping at nearly nothing to combat the immoralities standing in her way. In her heart, the sacredness of family and honor is the pinnacle aspect of her life. These beliefs of hers create the source of conflict and drama found within the play, and eventually lead to her own death.…
Antigone looks to free herself and family from the cycle of misery and pain. To do so she takes on the responsibility of honoring her family, which is traditionally seen by male figures, especially in Greek dramas. Antigone takes on this role with confidence and grace, which leads to her standing up to Creon later on. Antigone takes on a modern female gender role, which is fully expressed when she stands up to Creon on her view of honoring her brother. She is not afraid to admit that she went against the law of Thebes by burying a “traitor”; instead she openly admits it: “I did it.…
Antigone is not breaking the law, but she is going against the King’s orders. Laws must be in place to keep cities safe and democratic. The idea of laws are brought up several times. Both works express that laws must be obeyed, and if not, this could be very dangerous. Similarly, a person that constantly tells lies will never have your trust…
Antigone however, questions this wide-held societal belief as she proves that she values her family ties and her virtues above her devotion to the state. Morally, she knows that denying her beloved brother a burial is utterly wrong, so she risks her own life…
The quote “There is nothing that you can say that I should wish to hear” shows this. Antigone is clearly determined to bury her brother; she is so blinded by her stubbornness and determination that she refuses to listen to what Creon has to say. “There is nothing that you can say” expresses this message clearly. Also, the tone in which she speaks is a challenging one, which may suggest that she is not afraid of him. She has her mind set on doing something and nothing nor no one will change her…
The law is strong, we must give in to the law In this thing, and in worse. I beg the Dead To forgive me, but I am helpless: I must yield To those in authority. And I think it is dangerous business To be always meddling.”. Ismene states that not only is Antigone being outrageous by going against the laws of the state aka Creon’s law but in addition she is a woman! This clearly is a death sentence and Ismene sees that Antigone’s stubbornness will bring no good not to the city nor to her family.…
ANTIGONE, by Jean Anouilh, is a masterful version of Sophocles’ original tragedy; which delves deeply into the theme of responsibility and duty. Duty is something one is “obligated to do.” Responsibility is described as doing something one “feels is necessary,” as well as “having capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable” (Webster’s Dictionary). The theme of responsibility and duty transcends the shallow meaning of the words themselves; it illustrates the internal driving force behind nearly every character’s motives and decisions throughout the throughout the play The absolute essence of the word duty is personified by Jonas and the other guards.…
According to Tony Burns Antigone’s principal argument in the play in defense of her act of disobedience to her uncle’s edict is that the edict conflicts with “ancient customary law” which she strongly feels to be divinely approved…
Going directly against the word of the king is a serious offence yielding extreme consequences. Antigone is going into this task behind Creon’s back, with him against her project, rather than on her side. Having made the decision that this is her best option, she feels that she should not embark in this task alone and requests the assistance of her sister, Ismene. Hearing this request, Ismene shoots down Antigone, feeling this would be too dangerous and not a smart decision.…