Antigone - Analysis of Greek Ideals
In Ancient Greece, new ideals surfaced as answers to life's
complicated questions. These new beliefs were centered around the
expanding field of science. Man was focused on more than the Gods or
heavenly concerns. A government that was ruled by the people was
suggested as opposed to a monarchy that had existed for many years.
Freedom of religion was encouraged to be exercised in city-states.
These new ideals, though good in intentions, often conflicted with
each other creating complex moral dilemmas.
Such was the case in Antigone a play written by Sophocles during
this era of change. In the play, Antigone and Creon battle a
philosophical war dealing with the controversy of the Greek ideals.
They both based their actions on their beliefs of what is right and
wrong. The conflict arose when the ideals that backed up their actions
clashed with each other, making it contradiction between morals.
Nikiforos Lytras, Antigone in front of the dead Po...
Cadmus Sowing the Dragon's teeth, by Maxfield Parr...
Antigone And The Body Of Polynices - Project Guten...Antigone's side of the conflict held a much more heavenly
approach, as opposed to the mundane road that Creon chose to follow.
Antigone feels that Creon is disregarding the laws of heaven through
his edict. After she is captured and brought to Creon, she tells him
"I do not think your edicts strong enough to overrule the unwritten
unalterable laws of God and heaven, you being only a man." Antigone's
staunch opinion is one that supports the Gods and the laws of heaven.
Her reasoning is set by her belief that if someone is not given a
proper burial, that person would not be accepted into heaven. Antigone
was a very religious person, and acceptance of her brother by the Gods
was very important to her. She felt that "It is against you and me
he has made this order. Yes, against me."...