Kara Sears
In Sophocles' tragedy, Antigone, the titular heroine defends divine law when she buries her brother, Polynices, despite King Creon's decree that he should be left for the dogs and vultures to eat as punishment for his treason. Antigone's devotion to her family and the gods leads her to defy Creon's law, risking her life to honour her brother with a proper burial. She believes that the gods' will supersedes any mortal law, and her conviction in this belief results in her punishment and eventual death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Divine law | The will of the gods is more important than the will of a man |
| Family honour | Love and loyalty to her brother |
| Civil disobedience | The right to reject society's infringement on one's freedom to perform a personal obligation |
| Pride | Pride in her beliefs and her family |
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What You'll Learn
Divine law supersedes human law
Antigone, the main heroine of Sophocles' play, defends divine law when she buries her brother, Polynices, against King Creon's decree. Creon, the new king of Thebes, forbids the burial of Polynices, who is branded a traitor for waging war on Thebes. He declares that Polynices' body will be left to rot and that anyone who attempts to bury him will be punished or stoned to death.
Antigone's decision to bury her brother stems from her devotion to her family and her loyalty to the gods. She strongly believes that divine law, or the law of the gods, supersedes any mortal or human law. According to Antigone, every man must be buried according to tradition, and failing to do so is disrespectful to the gods. She is willing to risk her life to ensure her brother receives a proper burial, demonstrating her courage and determination to uphold her beliefs.
In the play, Antigone openly admits to burying her brother, stating that she does not regret her actions. She confronts King Creon, arguing that his decision to deny Polynices a burial is morally wrong and an offense to the god Zeus. Antigone's conviction in the divine law gives her the confidence to stand up against Creon, even in the face of punishment and death.
Antigone's actions and her defense of divine law have significant consequences within the play. Her defiance of Creon's decree causes turmoil among the people, leading to disagreement and conflict. Ultimately, her decision to bury her brother results in her own death, as she is arrested and sentenced to be buried alive. However, it is important to note that Creon's refusal to recognize divine law and his insistence on exalting the law of the state are what lead to his punishment, not Antigone's actions.
Antigone's story serves as a powerful illustration of the conflict between divine law and human law. Her unwavering devotion to her family and the gods, coupled with her courage to stand up against authority, makes her a unique and compelling heroine in Greek tragedy.
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Family honour and loyalty
Antigone's decision to bury her brother Polynices is driven by her unwavering loyalty to her family and her belief in divine law. She strongly feels that her brother deserves a proper burial, despite him being branded a traitor to Thebes. Antigone's devotion to her family is so strong that she is willing to defy King Creon's decree and face the consequences.
Antigone's loyalty to her family is evident from the beginning of the play. She is determined to give her brother a proper burial, even though she knows it is against the law. When caught, she does not deny her actions and stands by her decision, stating that she would rather please the dead than the living. Antigone's courage and stubbornness in defending her family honour are notable, especially in a society that values obedience to the city and its ruler.
The theme of family loyalty is further highlighted in Antigone's relationship with her sister, Ismene. While Ismene warns Antigone against the dangers of defying Creon and wants no part in her plan, Antigone persists. Antigone's dedication to her family honour and loyalty is so strong that she is willing to act alone and face the consequences.
Antigone's belief in divine law also plays a crucial role in her decision to bury Polynices. She follows "the gods' unfailing, unwritten laws," feeling that every man must be buried according to tradition, or else it is disrespectful to the gods. Antigone values the will of the gods above human law, stating that "the gods' will is always stronger than some man's words." Her devotion to divine law is so strong that she is willing to risk punishment and even death to uphold it.
Antigone's actions raise profound questions about loyalty, honour, and the duty to stand against injustice. Her story forces readers to consider whether moral duty to family and the divine should supersede civil law and the authority of the state. Antigone's unwavering loyalty to her family and her beliefs ultimately lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the complexities of duty, honour, and loyalty in the play.
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Civil disobedience
In Sophocles' play, Antigone, the titular heroine engages in civil disobedience by defying her uncle, King Creon, and burying her brother, Polynices, despite Creon's decree that Polynices' body be left for the dogs and vultures to eat as punishment for his treason. Antigone believes that the gods' will is stronger than any human law and that every man deserves to be buried according to their traditions; otherwise, it is disrespectful to the gods. In her own words, she must obey her conscience rather than human law.
Antigone's act of civil disobedience is an early depiction of the concept, as she refuses to obey the demands of her government, in this case, King Creon, and accepts the punishment for her actions. She is unafraid of the death that Creon threatens her with, but she is afraid of how her conscience will punish her if she does not bury her brother.
The philosophical roots of civil disobedience can be traced back to Western thinkers such as Cicero, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson, who sought to justify conduct by its harmony with a superhuman moral law. The modern concept of civil disobedience was most clearly formulated by Mahatma Gandhi, who developed the philosophy of satyagraha, emphasising nonviolent resistance to evil. Gandhi's doctrine was influenced by the English poet Percy Shelley's poem "The Mask of Anarchy", which is perhaps the first modern statement of the principle of nonviolent protest.
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Pride
Antigone's pride and strong-willed nature are evident from the start of the play. She is proud of her familial duty and loyalty to her brother and is determined to give him a proper burial, despite the strict law put in place by Creon. Antigone's sister, Ismene, warns her of the consequences and tries to dissuade her, but Antigone's pride and devotion to her family are stronger than her fear of punishment.
Antigone's pride also stems from her belief in divine law, which she considers to be above human law. She feels that it is her duty to honour the gods and give her brother a proper burial, regardless of Creon's decree. This pride in her religious convictions gives her the courage to stand up against the king and risk her life.
However, Antigone's pride can also be seen as a tragic flaw that leads to her demise. She is too proud to back down or compromise, even when faced with the threat of death. Her stubbornness and unwillingness to yield to Creon's authority ultimately result in her imprisonment and suicide.
Creon, the king of Thebes, also displays a significant amount of pride throughout the play. He is proud of his position and believes that his laws are absolute. He refuses to listen to reason and is blind to the notion that divine law might supersede his own. Creon's pride and stubbornness lead him to make decisions that ultimately bring about his downfall, including the harsh punishment he inflicts on Antigone.
In conclusion, pride is a driving force in Antigone's decision to bury her brother, as well as a central theme that shapes the actions and outcomes of the play's characters. The interplay between personal pride, familial honour, and the laws of the state creates a complex and tragic narrative that continues to resonate with audiences.
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Gender roles
In Sophocles' tragedy, Antigone, the titular heroine, goes against the decree of her uncle, King Creon, and buries her brother Polynices, who died attempting to take the Theban throne from his brother. Creon had forbidden anyone from burying Polynices, declaring him a traitor, but Antigone believed that the gods' will was stronger than any human law. She is arrested and sentenced to death for her crime.
Antigone's actions in the play threaten to upset the gender roles of her community. Her boldness and assertiveness defy the expectations of women in ancient Greek society, who were thought of as weak and inconsequential. Antigone's character is unusual for a Greek tragedy, as she is unafraid to face death and stand by her values. Her sister, Ismene, reinforces the norms of gender essentialism, warning Antigone that, as women, they must not fight with men and must obey the orders of those in power. Ismene's submissive position reflects Theban expectations of female subordination.
Creon's response to Antigone further highlights the gender dynamics at play. He claims that he needs to defeat her all the more because she is a woman, and her rebellion is a threat to the hierarchical structures of the time. Creon's ideology shifts to justify his political decisions, condemning Haemon's resistance and emasculating him to hyper-masculinize his own position.
Antigone's refusal to act subserviently and her challenge to power dynamics ultimately lead to her demise, as Creon sentences her to be buried alive. However, her actions also result in the deaths of Creon's most important family members, including his wife and son, suggesting that the play offers a progressive depiction of female strength and a critique of gender essentialism.
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Frequently asked questions
Antigone is defending divine law, which states that all beings in death must be buried.
Antigone's brother, Polynices, is left unburied by Creon, the King of Thebes, as punishment for gathering an army and attacking his brother Eteocles for the throne.
Antigone defies Creon's decree and buries her brother, risking her life to honour her family and the gods.
Antigone is arrested and, rather than waiting for her death sentence, she kills herself.
