IndexThe importance of burial ritesThe challenge to King Creon's decreeThe moral implicationsConclusionThroughout Sophocles' play Antigone, the protagonist Antigone faces a moral dilemma when she decides to bury her brother, Polyneices , against the orders of his uncle, King Creon. This essay will explore the reasons why Antigone felt compelled to bury her brother and argue that she actually had the right to do so. By examining the text we can more fully understand Antigone's motivations and the moral implications of her actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Importance of Burial Rites Antigone's desire to bury her brother stems from her deep belief in the importance of proper burial rites. In ancient Greek culture, the proper burial of the deceased was considered essential to their journey to the afterlife. Antigone expresses this belief when she states, "But I will bury him; and if I must die, / I say this crime is holy" (Sophocles, 87-88). This quote highlights Antigone's belief that denying Polyneices a proper burial is sacrilege, and she is willing to face consequences, even death, for her actions. Furthermore, Antigone's determination to bury her brother is also driven by her loyalty and love for her family. . In the text he declares: "I owe a longer loyalty / To the dead than to the living" (Sophocles, 96-97). This statement highlights the importance of family ties and suggests that Antigone's actions are not motivated solely by religious beliefs but also by her personal connection to Polyneices. Defying King Creon's decree, Antigone's decision to bury her brother directly challenges the authority of King Creon, who declared that Polyneices should remain unburied as punishment for his rebellion against Thebes. Antigone's defiance can be seen as an act of civil disobedience, motivated by her belief in a higher moral law. He questions Creon's authority when he asks, "And if I die for this, what happiness! / I will lie with him in death, and be as dear to him / as he is dear to me" (Sophocles, 85-87). . This quote illustrates Antigone's willingness to sacrifice her life for her principles and her refusal to conform to an unjust law. Furthermore, Antigone's actions can be interpreted as a challenge to the patriarchal society in which she lives. By challenging Creon, who represents the male-dominated power structure, Antigone asserts her freedom of action and independence. This challenge to social norms adds an additional layer of complexity to Antigone's motivations and highlights her desire to uphold her own moral values. The Moral Implications The act of burying her brother not only has personal meaning for Antigone, but also raises larger moral questions. By denying Polyneices a proper burial, Creon denies him the opportunity for a peaceful afterlife. Antigone claims, “But I will bury him, / and if I must die, / I say this crime is holy” (Sophocles, 87-88). This quote suggests that Antigone sees her actions as a sacred duty, a moral obligation to ensure that her brother's soul finds rest. Furthermore, Antigone's actions challenge the concept of justice. While Creon believes he is upholding justice by punishing Polyneices for his rebellion, Antigone argues that justice extends beyond human laws. He states, “Nor did I think that your orders were so strong / that you, a mortal man, could overpower the gods / unwritten and immutable laws” (Sophocles, 484-486). This quote highlights Antigone's faith in divine justice and her refusal to accept a human decree that she contradicts.