Essay about Antigone by Sophocles - 871 Words

I would not count any enemy of my country as a friend. In the play Antigone, written by Sophocles, Antigone finds herself torn apart between divine law and state law. The play opens up at the end of a war between Eteocles and Polyneices, sons of Oedipus and brothers of Antigone and Ismene. These brothers, fighting for control of Thebes, kill each other, making Creon king of Thebes. Creon, as king, gives an important speech to the citizens of Thebes, announcing that Eteocles, who defended Thebes, will receive a proper burial, unlike his brother Polyneices, who brought a foreign army against Thebes. This speech introduces the major conflict of divine law versus state law. Furthermore, Creon cherishes order and loyalty above all else.†¦show more content†¦It is evident, through this argument, that there is dramatic foil between Ismene and Antigone. Ismene is a typical woman of the Greeks society, accepting male dominance. She believes that a man can do as he pleases, an d a woman must not get in the way of his wishes. Antigone, on the other hand, not only speaks her mind, but acts on her beliefs as well. In the end, she makes up her own rules and assumes full responsibility for her actions. Although Creon has stated that the traitor Polyneices must not be given proper burial, Antigone is the only one who speaks against this decree and insists on the sacredness of family. Whereas Antigone sees no validity in a law that disregards the duty family members owe one another, Creons point of view it the total opposite. Antigone calls attention to the difference between the divine law and human law. She doubts Creons authority. Creon represents the power of human law and of the human need for an orderly, stable society. Between Antigone and Creon there is no compromise. They both find absolute truth in the beliefs they stand up for. Antigone admits right from the start that she wants to carry out the burial because it is a glorious action. Creons pride is that of a tyrant, failing to take advice. They both suffer from pride, which causes them toShow MoreRelatedAntigone By Sophocles Antigone1478 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout Antigone, Antigone is a presented as a st rong woman who is both dedicated to her family and her community. That said, there is much conflict between these two dedications. In this paper, I will give examples of Antigone’s different individual responsibilities and her philosophies and explain how those conflict with the commitment that she is to have to her community and indirectly, her king. Ultimately, I will argue that Sophocles demonstrated his values of family, the way of the godsRead MoreSophocles Antigone By Sophocles Essay1869 Words   |  8 PagesIn Sophocles’ play Antigone, two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices fight for the thrown of Thebes. 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Sophocles’ Antigone takes place in a trying time for the city of Thebes, when Oedipus, their king, and most of the royal family have died, and Creon has just been appointed the new king. Throughout the play, Creon tries on his power as the new ruler, and seems to believe that the gods will not be angry with some of his choices as king, even though they directly violate the divine law. However, in Antigone, when there is a conflict between the divine law