In “Antigone” by Sophocles, a specific
kind of theme seems to be displayed. That theme is known as written law vs.
moral law. In this case written law would be displayed as Creon’s harsh ruling
of what shall be done with Polyneices’s dead body and moral law would be
displayed by Antigone’s actions towards Creon’s “written law”. The difference
between these two is much like free will going against a dictatorship. Antigone
displays the courage and determination which many will agree to by saying her
actions are a true depiction of moral law.
Antigone strongly believes that she
must give her brother a real burial and “shout it out”. With this we get to see
that Antigone has values and is human. She is not going to allow Creon’s
written law be the final decision/action. She wants to shout it out to give
others the courage to stand up for what they think is right. As Antigone states
in lines (27-35) “Etecoles, they say has used justly with lawful rites and hid
him in the earth to have his honor among the dead men there. But the unhappy
corpse of Polyneices he has proclaimed to all the citizens, they say, no man
may hide in a grave nor mourn in funeral but leave unwept, unburied, a dainty
treasure for the birds that see him, for their feast’s delight.” These lines
are very strong because they give a comparison of Etecoles and Polyneices. Etecoles
was given a proper burial whereas Polyneices was left out in the open for maggots,
birds and all other insects. We see that one was treated with respect whereas
the other wasn’t.
In lines (84-85) Antigone says “I
shall be a criminal- but a religious one.” This as well supports the whole idea
of moral law because some people have their morals set on religious beliefs.
She knows that if she goes against Creon’s order she will in fact be known as a
criminal but
Antigone wants to follow her heart and her moral beliefs to give her brother
Polyneices a proper burial. Creons actions are similar to Hitler. Hitler
completely forgot about the whole idea of having morals or just doing the right
thing. He didn’t think rationally, was a horrible individual who eventually caused
his own downfall much like Creon.
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