Antigone Moral Law

Would you choose to do what you know to be right, even if the consequences might kill you? The dissension between moral law and state law is one that mankind has argued since the beginning of time. There are many individuals who stand by their personal moral law opposed to the laws given though the government. The argument that “who is to determine right from wrong” becomes the basis of moral law, the idea that one makes a decision based on their inner conscious despite the possible repercussions. The conflict between moral and state law is one of the main duels in Antigone, the Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. The core of this tragedy is the battle held between ones moral duty and their duty to their state. The battle between the two laws

Creon has declared that anyone who goes against him and buries Polyneices, will be killed. Antigone knows that it is her moral duty to give her brother a proper burial, despite what Creon believes. Disregarding Creon’s threats, Antigone holds her duty to the gods and to her family higher than her duty to Creon. The strong willed and determined Antigone decides to grant her brother a proper burial, in spite of Ismene’s cautious advice and Creon’s threats. As reported by the sentry, “ She was not afraid, not even when we charged her with what she had done. She denied nothing…To escape from death.” Antigone’s actions show the satisfaction she feels by fulfilling her moral duty. She declares, “This death of mind is of no importance; but if I had left my bother lying in death unburied, I should have suffered. Now I do not.” Antigone’s disregard for laws made by man and Creon, gave her peace of mind because she regards her moral duty and divine law above anything

Creon was made king after both of Oedipus’ sons died in battle. Since he was not meant to be the next king, he feels as though he must prove his power as king, by ordering that anyone who tries to bury Polyneices will be sentenced to death. Once the news is received that the “man” at fault for burying Polyneices is in fact Antigone, he is forced to choose either his moral duty to his family or his duty to the state. He chooses to follow his right given as king and enforce the law he had already created. He positions his loyalty to the state over that of his family and condemns Antigone to death. Creon encounters opposition from friends and family however, he disregards their advice. His son Haemon, informs Creon that what he is doing is upsetting the people of Thebes. Creon, however, does not listen to his son and continues with his plan until he speaks to Teiresias, a blind prophet. Teiresias warns Creon that he is angering the gods by banning the burial of Polyneices and by punishing Antigone for doing what is morally right. It is not until after his discussion with Teiresias, Creon realizes that he is wrong. Creon exclaims, “That is true…It troubles me. Oh it is hard to give in! but it is worse to risk everything for stubborn pride….It is hard to deny the heart! But I will do it: I will not fight with destiny.”