Antigone

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We have Antigone, the plays tragic heroine and protagonist, she fights for her brother because she believes, no matter what he did he deserves a proper burial for he fought bravely and died miserably. After all that is her brother and family is stronger than the law. Then we have Creon, the plays antagonist, who opposes Antigone in her beliefs and stands by his own principles. That Polyneicés is not deserving of an honorable burial because he deceived Creon and Thebes and therefore he shall not pass into the afterlife. For Creon the law is the highest power and no one shall deceive it. I can honestly say I can see both sides of this argument and find ways to agree with both Antigone and Creon. I can side with Antigone as far as family comes first and I would do anything and everything in my power, as did Antigone, to protect them and see that they are respected, as everyone deserves. If I were in Antigone’s shoes and they were trying to keep me from giving my brother an honorable burial I would fight long and hard to see that he got the burial that he deserves. As everyone, no matter the good or bad they have done in their life, deserves a proper burial. I can also see Creon’s argument that the law is the law. As I stated I would do everything and anything to protect my family, however if I knew of a horrendous crime that a family member of mine had committed I would have to make sure that they were punished for their actions. As I believe Creon is taking it a bit far considering the nature of the situation, I also see that for them in this time burials were taken very serious. Stating that I can agree and disagree with both sides of the argument I will unequivocally be able to see Antigone’s side as the more rational and I can relate with her more.

“She covered her brother’s body. Is this indecent? She kept him from Dogs and vultures. Is this a crime?” (Scene 3. 65-66) Throughout the play we are constantly faced with the question of who is right? Is Antigone undoubtedly correct in her beliefs that her brother shall not be punished for his actions? Or does Creon have a point that the law is the law and any deviants of the laws must be punished? Whose side shall we choose? Is there a side, or do they both have valid arguments? I believe that the answers to these questions will vary from person to person. However when it comes to beliefs and principles we all have our own and we must stick to them no matter the given circumstances.

Works Cited

Sophocles, Antigone. Backpack Literature fifth edition. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia.

Pearson Publishers, 2015. 868-896. Print.