PUB #1: DIVINE LAW AND HUMAN AUTHORITY: ANTIGONE'S MORAL CONVICTIONS
This PUB is written on the play of Antigone and the clash between Divine Law and Human Authority in the play. It explores Antigone's commitment to moral principles as well as highlights the authoritarian leadership style of Creon. Overall, this PUB represents a deep delve into the theme of moral v.s. written law.
Taha Albaloushi
Prof. Brady
EGL 102
February 22, 2024
Divine Law and Human Authority: Antigone’s Moral Convictions
Antigone’s absolute defiance of Creon and his authority by burying her brother Polyneices encapsulates the clash between divine and human laws. Antigone showcases bravery and unwavering commitment to her beliefs. She challenges societal norms and authority, draws parallels to figures from the post-modern day, and sheds light on the struggle between individual freedom and authoritarian rule.
Antigone believes that along with burying her brother she must “shout it out” because she is driven by strong pride to honor her brother. She makes this clear stating “I will not prove false to him,” (Sophocles, 1131). This shows Antigone’s commitment to moral principles and divine law over human law. Her defiance also showcases her courage in accepting the potential consequences of upholding her values. Despite this, Antigone follows through with her duty to her brother and does not give in to the pressures of her sister Ismene, or human authority. By doing so she shows her strength and courage in the face of adversity.
When Antigone says, "I shall be a criminal- but a religious one", she shows that her actions, even though they violate Creon’s law, are morally justified by her loyalty to her brother and her religion. She states that divine laws are “not of today and yesterday, they live forever,” (Sophocles, 1142). These statements reflect Antigone's strong belief in the superiority of divine law over human authority. She confesses to Creon her crime and that she knows she will die. She also states “to face such a fate as this is pain that does not count,” (Sophocles, 1142). This highlights her willingness to accept the consequences of defying Creon's decree in order to honor her brother. She believes she is fulfilling a higher purpose.
When Antigone tells Creon, "I did not believe your proclamation had such power to enable one who will someday die to override God's ordinances, unwritten and secure", she criticizes Creon’s edict and states that nothing coming from a human who can die, can be more important or sacred than divine law which remains unchanged for ages. She says to Creon, “it was not Zeus that made the proclamation nor did justice,” (Sophocles, 1142). By doing so Antigone shows her determination to her belief in divine law. By defying Creon’s authority so openly, she challenges the social hierarchy of Thebes and brings to light conflicts between individual freedom and the expectations of society.
Creon's authoritative rule and disregard for the freedom of individuals, not stopping with his son, can be related to the autocratic leadership of some modern-day leaders. Creon also has a sense of having a stronger say than that of religion, as said by Creon, “ There is nothing worse than disobedience to authority,” (Sophocles, 1147). This shows that authority is what is most important to Creon, with divine law taking a back seat. Creon could be comparable to Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, in his style of rule. Where Creon has the people of Thebes obey his edict, Kim Jong Un has the people of North Korea obey his word and otherwise be punished much like Creon punishing Antigone. Also, Creon’s selfishness and belief that he was always correct and that he had the final authoritative say in all affairs is seen as he says to his son Haemon in the play, “everything else shall be second to your fathers decision,” (Sophocles, 1146). This showcases the controlling nature of Creon and the nature of his rule over Thebes.
Antigone showcases resilience while facing the consequences of her disobedience. She shows the importance of fighting for what is right by any means necessary. The clash between divine law and human law, morality, and authority is a powerful narrative that continues to be seen in pieces of writing through time.
Works Cited
Sophocles. Antigone. Dover Publications, 1993.