Moral Law vs. Political Law in Sophocles’ "Antigone"

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One has the capability to determine from right and wrong and having the determination to stand up for what one believes in, no matter what the price is. In Sophocles’ Antigone, a written dramatic play, Sophocles portrays the theme that at times of one’s life, it is necessary to follow moral law and ignore political law. In the play, a determined and courageous woman named Antigone is loyal to her beloved brother by granting him a proper burial and having to suffer the consequences for revolting. Throughout Antigone, several incidents occurred where the political law was of no importance to the individual. Conflicts between Antigone and Ismene and then with Creon and Antigone are examples of the theme. The theme also ties with the readers of the modern world.

In the beginning of Sophocles’ play, the two sisters, Antigone and Ismene share their opposing ideals. For instance, on page 774 Antigone tells her sister Ismene, “I am going to bury him; and if I must die, I say this crime is holy.” In this incident, Antigone is willing to contradict the law by giving her brother a proper burial, despite the fact that King Creon swore, “…Polyneices, I say, is to have no burial: no man is to touch him or say the least prayer for him.” (777) Antigone is aware of the danger she is in and determined to be invincible because she states, “Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way.”(774) Creon is the state law because he is king, which Antigone is revolting. Another example is on page 775, where Ismene is opposing Antigone’s idea of what should be done when she states, “You are unwise, But a loyal friend indeed to those who love you.” In this situation, Ismene demonstrates what she thinks about Antigone’s idea, however, she tells he...

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...to join or have any part in her rebellious plan. Therefore, one should not feel discouraged when you know that, for a fact, that what you are going to do is right. However, the individual should not go out in a killing spree just because the others do not believe in the same way. One should, also, not be ashamed for feeling strong about something. It should be the other way around; one should feel proud for having the courage to stand up for what you believe in.

To sum everything up, Antigone should be respected for what she did. Not even her sister, who loved her brother as much, did what Antigone did. Thus, when you are put on the spot, have pride for what you strongly believe because you are going to be respected for the courage that you have. It is important to remember that it only takes one strong person to get the ball rolling and the rest may follow.

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