Keith Mack
In Sophocles' play 'Antigone', the characters of Antigone and Creon present contrasting views on laws and justice. Antigone, who defies Creon's decree forbidding the burial of her brother Polynices, appeals to divine laws and natural laws, prioritizing her family ties and individual beliefs over the laws of the state. On the other hand, Creon, as the ruler of Thebes, embodies a strict adherence to man-made laws and the maintenance of public order, even if it means punishing his own niece. This conflict between divine and human law, as well as the gender dynamics at play, has sparked interpretations ranging from a clash of equal but incomplete positions to a critique of tyranny and the importance of individual morals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| View on obedience to the law | Creon believes in obedience to man-made laws. Antigone defies Creon's command, appealing to natural law. |
| View on the importance of family | Creon weighs the interest of the overall state more than his own family. Antigone takes on the responsibility of honouring her family. |
| View on gender roles | Creon embodies the male role in the play. Antigone takes on a modern female gender role. |
| View on the importance of order | Creon believes that laws are essential to protect the welfare of Thebes. Antigone believes that her brother deserved a proper burial and refused to be told otherwise. |
| View on authority | Creon is portrayed as a tyrant. Antigone is portrayed as a martyr. |
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What You'll Learn
Creon's belief in obedience to man-made laws
Creon, as the head of state and lawgiver in Thebes, believes in obedience to man-made laws. He understands that laws are essential to protect the welfare of Thebes and the role of a king. Creon's belief in the importance of law and order is underscored by his experience of civil war caused by Polyneices, which leads him to enact harsh laws to punish rioters and maintain stability.
Creon's commitment to man-made laws is further demonstrated by his response to Antigone's defiance. When Antigone breaks his law by burying Polyneices, Creon feels disrespected and embarrassed, especially as a woman is challenging his authority. Creon values his authority highly and goes to great lengths to defend it. He believes that his rule, as the king, must be obeyed to avoid anarchy and maintain social order.
Creon's view of man-made laws is also influenced by his understanding of the role of a king. He believes that the king's power and the "law" are one and the same, and that the king's whims are enforced as law. This belief in the absolute power of the king leads Creon to see himself and his laws as extensions of each other, with obedience to his laws being equivalent to obedience to him personally.
Creon's character in "Antigone" is often contrasted with his portrayal in "Oedipus the King," where he is depicted as a voice of reason and a sensible leader. In "Antigone," however, Creon's power madness and pride in his position as king lead him to become unyielding and vindictive, even towards his own family. This shift in character highlights the dangers of absolute power and the potential for corruption that comes with it.
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Antigone's appeal to natural law
Creon, as the ruler of Thebes, believes in the absolute power of man-made laws. He understands that laws are essential to protect the welfare of Thebes and the role of a king. He also believes that a king should be kind and help others. In the case of Polynices, Creon believes that he deserves no proper burial because he is considered a traitor to Thebes.
Antigone, on the other hand, defies Creon's command and buries Polynices, her brother, because she believes that the gods have commanded people to give the dead a proper burial. She believes that her loyalty to her brother outweighs her loyalty to the law of Thebes. Antigone's appeal to natural law is evident in her belief that the wishes of the gods and her duty to her brother are more important than any human laws. This is further supported by her statement that she must act to please the dead, as they hold more weight than any ruler in natural law.
Antigone's actions can be seen as a modern female gender role, where she takes on the responsibility of honouring her family, which is traditionally seen by male figures. She stands up to Creon and openly admits that she went against the law of Thebes, demonstrating her confidence and grace. Antigone's appeal to natural law also highlights her desire for equality, both in terms of gender equality and the equal treatment of her brother, who she believes should be buried with proper burial rites.
Through Antigone's martyrdom and the people's sympathy, Sophocles suggests that the laws of the state should not contradict natural laws. This tension between human and divine law is a central theme in the play, and it leads to the tragic downfall of both Antigone and Creon.
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Creon's view of himself as the state
Creon's association with the state, or polis, is a stark contrast to Antigone's representation of oikos, or family. While Creon values the interests of the overall state above his own family, Antigone prioritizes her familial duties and the honouring of her brother, Polyneices, despite him being considered a traitor to Thebes. This conflict between polis and oikos is a central tension in the play, as Creon's absolute identification with the state comes into direct opposition with Antigone's dedication to her family.
However, Creon's view of himself as the state is not without criticism. Some interpret Creon as a tyrant or an unjust leader, whose pride and corruption lead to the downfall of the empire. His insistence on his authority, even in the face of moral dilemmas, is seen as a sign of his one-sidedness and the illusion of his commitment to the state. As the play progresses, Creon's unwavering stance begins to unravel, revealing the influence of oikos in his tendencies, actions, and ultimate ending.
In conclusion, Creon's view of himself as the state is a complex aspect of Sophocles' Antigone. While he embodies the power and authority of the state, his absolute identification with it leads to conflicts with those who prioritize familial duties and moral obligations. Creon's unwavering commitment to his role as the ultimate authority figure is both a driving force in the play and a source of criticism, ultimately shaping the tragic outcome of the story.
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Antigone's martyrdom
Antigone is a classic martyr who nobly tries to serve the gods and help her kin, but her actions and motivations are complicated. Antigone's brother, Polyneices, is denied a proper burial because he is considered a traitor to Thebes. Antigone defies Creon and buries her brother. She is caught and left to die in a cave, where she hangs herself.
Antigone takes on the responsibility of honouring her family, which is traditionally seen by male figures, especially in Greek dramas. She takes on this role with confidence and grace, which leads to her standing up to Creon. Antigone takes on a modern female gender role, which is fully expressed when she stands up to Creon on her view of honouring 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's actions can be seen as a desire for individual reputation. She uses religion and family as reasons to achieve honour. Antigone wanted her opinions and suggestions to be considered, not just thrown away. She wanted equality, not only gender equality but also for her brother to be treated like anyone else and be buried with the proper burial rites.
Creon, on the other hand, values the interest of the overall state more than his own family. He understands the need for harsh laws to punish those causing riots and to encourage his people to fight bravely in the war. Creon has to retain the validity and effectiveness of the law, because if every citizen can pursue any personal interest without fear of consequences, the entire social operation mechanism would break down.
In conclusion, Antigone's martyrdom stems from her willingness to stand up against Creon, defend her beliefs, and take on a modern female gender role. She values her family honour and desires for her opinions to be considered, even if it means going against the law. Creon, on the other hand, prioritises the stability and order of the state, even if it means sacrificing his family.
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Creon's punishment of Antigone
In Sophocles' play Antigone, Creon and Antigone represent two opposing viewpoints on the role of law in society. Antigone is characterized as a martyr who prioritizes her family and personal beliefs over the decrees of her government. On the other hand, Creon is portrayed as a tyrant who upholds the law and the interests of the state above all else.
Creon, as the ruler of Thebes, believes that his primary responsibility is to maintain order and protect the welfare of his city. He understands that laws are essential to achieving this goal and, therefore, expects everyone to obey his orders without question. After a civil war caused by Polyneices, Creon declares that Eteocles, who fought on the side of Thebes, will receive a proper burial, while Polyneices will be left unburied as punishment for his treason. Creon decrees that anyone who attempts to bury Polyneices will be put to death.
When Antigone, Polyneices' sister, defies Creon's law and attempts to bury her brother, Creon is faced with a dilemma. He responds by punishing Antigone, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order. Creon sentences Antigone to death, burying her alive in a cave outside the city. Antigone's punishment serves as a warning to others who might consider defying his authority and challenging the laws of Thebes.
While some may argue that Creon was justified in punishing Antigone to maintain order and uphold the law, others view him as a tragic figure whose stubbornness and pride led to his downfall. Antigone, on the other hand, is seen as a martyr who defied an unjust leader and stood up for her beliefs, even in the face of death.
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Frequently asked questions
Creon, as the head of state and lawgiver in Thebes, believes in obedience to man-made laws. He thinks that his rule must be obeyed to avoid anarchy or chaos. He also believes that the laws are essential to protect the welfare of Thebes.
Antigone appeals to a different set of guidelines, often called "natural law". She believes that the gods have commanded people to give the dead a proper burial and that her loyalty to her brother outweighs the law of the city of Thebes.
Creon values the interests of the overall state more than his own family. Antigone, on the other hand, prioritises her loyalty to her family and what she believes are the gods' laws.
Creon sets a law forbidding the burial of a traitor, Polyneices, whom Antigone's brother fought against. Antigone defies this law and performs her brother's burial rites, leading to conflict between the two characters.
Interpreters of the play have historically regarded Creon and Antigone as equally "wrong" in their stubbornness. More modern interpretations tend to side with Antigone, viewing Creon as a tyrant and Antigone as a martyr.
