Antigone
In the Greek drama Antigone there are many underlying conflicts between the two main characters, Antigone and Creon. The central conflict of the play is between ethical and political decision-making. Antigone stands for ethical choices, while Creon represents political decisions. Antigone compels the central conclusion of the play, which is one reason she is the true tragic hero.In the play Antigone represents the ethical law. Antigone stands for older traditions and believes she owes her duty to her family. In the beginning of the play, her devotion to her brother is shown. She is worried about her brother being accepted into the heavens. She knows without the proper burial he will not be. Risking her life she buries him, not once, but twice. Her loyalty to her family is far superior to her loyalty to the state.Antigone does not think through her actions thoroughly, and acts instinctively. When Antigone learns that her brother, Polyneices will not be allowed an honorable burial she asks her sister, Ismene to join he
Creon signifies masculinity and acts calculating and logically. Creon asks if Antigone would like to apologize for her betrayal to the king, and she refuses any apology for her actions. By her actions, Antigone is a symbol of courage. Creon argues that, though she is a woman, as a new king he must establish his authority. Creon cannot make any exceptions for her being a woman, or furthermore, the fiance of his son. Initially Creon attempts to persuade Antigone to apologize for her actions so he will not be forced to condemn her, but she refuses. Antigone knows she will lose her life by her act of burying her brother, but she does it anyway. While both arguments of Polyneices' burial are legitimate, Antigone is the true tragic hero of the story. He doubts that sentencing her to death is the right thing to do, but must oblige if he does not wish to sacrifice his authority. She takes the power out of Creon's hands, and puts it into her own. She appeals to the gods and goddesses of nature. Opposite of Antigone, Creon represents the law of the state. Unaided, Antigone defies the power of the king, Creon. Creon is shocked to find that it is his own niece going against his order to leave the body to rot.
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