The body of Polynices was planned to be left unburied for the animals to eat him and it wouldn’t be certificated by the holy rites. Creon that had become the new ruler of Thebes decided that Eteocles would be honored but Polyneices would be put through public shame. Antigone’s view of divine justice is contradictory to Creon’s will as the king of Thebes. she does not only what a woman would do but also what a warrior would. Antigone wasn’t afraid of the danger of Creon’s law, because being a loyal sister was more important to her than death.Īntigone performs the role of woman and warrior at once. Antigone was loyal to her family and the law of the Gods while Creon was loyal to his people and his word: “And now you can prove what you are: A true sister, or a traitor to your family…” (Prologue). Therefore, both Antigone and Creon have been loyal to whom they have wanted to be loyal to this is why both are equally correct.Īntigone and Creon were equally loyal. However, Creon has the responsibility of being loyal to the people of Thebes. He has no use for anyone who chooses private ties above the common good, as he proclaims firmly to the Chorus and the audience as he revels in his victory over Polyneices.Īntigone has the responsibility of being loyal to her brother, Polyneices. Antigone sees no validity in a law that disrespects the duty of the family members that owe one to another Creon’s point of view is exactly the opposite. Antigone is the only one who will speak against this decree and insists on the importance of family and a symbolic burial for her brother. Creon has dictated that the traitor Polyneices, who tried to burn down the temple of gods in Thebes, doesn’t deserve a proper burial. The opening events of the play quickly settle the central conflict between Antigone and her uncle the King Creon of Thebes that is and oppressive ruler. The only part of the play that will probably be confusing is the Chorus.

Even that the play was original written in Greek over 2400 years ago, we have a modern translation in English, and the main storyline is very clear and easy to understand.

Sophocles’ Antigone is not a difficult play.

This is not an example of the work written by our writers. This essay has been submitted to us by a student.

Antigone sophocles analysis