Civil Disobedience In Antigone, By Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil disobedience is defined as the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and fines, as a peaceful form of political protest. Antigone, written by the playwright Sophocles, depicts an act of civil disobedience when Antigone goes against what the King of Thebes; Creon, said because she believes that the action she will undergo is more important than the law. A similar action is carried out in “ Letter From A Birmingham Jail”, written by Martin Luther King Jr. Each of these pieces are prime examples of civil disobedience because they are both peaceful protest against the law. Going against the law or ones ruler is justified when they violate one 's moral code or beliefs.

The short play, Antigone, written in 441 B.C. by the

The problem of civil disobedience. To some people civil disobedience may be given a negative connotation, I however do not receive that connotation. Civil disobedience allows one to convey their thoughts and ideas in a passive, nonviolent way. It can be used when one believes that they are morally right, and that others will agree with them. Antigone conveys this thought when she tells, “No one will ever convict me for a traitor.” (page 972) She cannot be

Both Antigone and Martin Luther King Jr. wanted their own form of justice and to be heard. I believe that it was. Staying true to yourself, your family, and your god are the most important things in life and although Antigone’s actions were different than those of Martin Luther King Jr., they overall wanted to get the same message out and stand up for what they believe in. Although these were both acts of civil disobedience, I believe that voicing your opinion and taking action on issues that discredit what you believe in is often times more important than the