Contradiction Between Morals in Sophocles' Antigone

Antigone: Contradiction Between Morals

In Ancient Greece, new ideals surfaced as answers to life's complicated questions. These new beliefs were centered on the expanding field of science. Man was focused on more than the Gods or heavenly concerns. A government that was ruled by the people was suggested as opposed to a monarchy that had existed for many years. Freedom of religion was encouraged in city-states. These new ideals, though good in intentions, often conflicted with each other creating complex moral dilemmas. Such was the case in Antigone, a play written by Sophocles during this era of change. In the play, Antigone and Creon battle a philosophical war exemplifying the conflict existing in the Greek ideals. They both based their actions on their beliefs of what is right and wrong. The conflict arose when the ideals that backed up their actions clashed with each other, making it a contradiction between morals.

Antigone's side of the conflict held a much more heavenly approach, as opposed to the mundane road that Creon chose to follow. Antigone feels that Creon is disregarding the laws of heaven through his edict. After she is captured and brought to Creon, she tells him "I do not think your edicts strong enough to overrule the unwritten unalterable laws of God and heaven, you being only a man" (Sophocles page #). Antigone's staunch opinion is one that supports the Gods and the laws of heaven. Her reasoning is set by her belief that if someone is not given a proper burial, that person would not be accepted into heaven. Antigone was a very religious person, and acceptance of her brother by the Gods was very important to her. She felt that "It is against you and me he has made this order. Yes, against m...

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2. Your thesis statement appears in its own paragraph. Thesis statements are a part of the introduction and should be included in the introductory paragraph.

3. In your thesis statement, be specific about the ideals of Creon and Antigone. The conflict arose when the ideals that backed up their actions, the law of the gods and the law of man, clashed with each other, making it a contradiction between morals. This way your readers know exactly what you are going to discuss in your paper.

4. When quoting, always cite the quote by putting in parentheses the name of the author and the page on which the quote can be found. That way, your readers can look the quote up for themselves.