Written Law vs. Moral Law: PUB 1

        Shannon L. Alder once stated, “When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval. Putting a voice to your soul helps you let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.” Often, individuals hold back from speaking their minds and standing up for what they believe in due to fear installed by the society and people surrounding them. This is no different in Greek mythology, as seen in the play Antigone. However, the main character, Antigone, is one of the few that does not stay silent in situations she feels strongly about. In the play Antigone, by Sophocles, Antigone defies what is lawfully right to shine light on what is morally right. Antigone is an obstinate character that will do anything to achieve justice.

           

Antigone is a passionate and strong-willed figure in the play. Her brother, Polyneices, died and despite the Greek burial rights, the new king, Creon, refuses to allow for his burial. Although, Antigone does not let this stop her from respecting her brother and burying his body, even if it means that her punishment is death. Antigone is determined to honor her blood and rise above the written law no matter what it takes. She will not settle for anything less and refuses to “prove false to him” (line 52). Antigone is fearless of the consequences because she knows that what she is doing is what her brother would want and it is what is owed to him, exemplifying how deep her loyalty lies. She believes that there is “nothing shameful in honoring” her family, knowing that she would be “pleasing those [she] should please most,” in this case Polyneices (line 559, line 103). This shows how dedicated she is to pursue her actions in burying Polyneices, revealing her selflessness and loyalty. Antigone speaks out despite what others around her may think or do.

           

Antigone is driven by love and allegiance. However, she also wants to make a statement while doing so by shouting out what is morally right. Many of the citizens of Thebes “keep their mouths shut” in fear of their dictating king, Creon (line 556). On the contrary, Antigone speaks aloud. She does not believe Creon’s “proclamation had such power to enable one who will someday die to override God’s ordinances, unwritten and secure” (lines 496-499). Antigone is aware of what is morally right and will not support anyone who chooses to stay silent regarding the situation, even her sister Ismene. This says a lot about Antigone’s internal self. She is so passionate about honoring her brother but why is she so fast to stand on the opposing side of her sister, a sibling who derives from the same blood line? Antigone is upset with Ismene and claims that she will “hate [her] still worse for silence – should [she] not proclaim it to everyone” (lines 99-100). Although Ismene is her family as well, Antigone believes that Ismene is failing her brother and what she believes to be his wishes. Antigone is portrayed as a bold individual who fulfills acts of valor. She chooses to lie by Polyneices’ side, returning the love he once gave to her. Antigone will meet far extremes just to raise justice for what is right. She states that she “shall be a criminal – but a religious one,” meaning that she will stand tall and proud defending her beliefs, thoughts and opinions even if it lawfully makes her a criminal. Antigone’s values are displayed by her rebellious, yet brave actions seen throughout the play. Her actions not only reveal her values regarding loyalty and family but also her values regarding equality.

           

Grief is a personal state of mind that cannot be altered. Antigone was faced with extreme sorrow and anger as her brother’s corpse was left in the streets to rot. This pain, on top of her personal morals, drove her to follow through with her decision on burying her brother. Rather than sitting around and doing nothing, she took action and spoke her mind. Antigone trusted her own judgement and sacrificed her life out of righteousness.