Examples Of Human Behavior In Antigone

Human Behavior in the Face of Punishment

For thousands of years, people have followed religion, and with religion comes guidelines to follow— and consequences if not. Similarly, governments have followed suit, forming laws and punishments for those who didn’t comply. Although both sides tend to line up, in Sophocles’ play Antigone, this is not the case. Creon, King of Thebes, decides the laws of his city-state. He is a prideful and confident leader, and the first law he sets is one to keep anyone from burying Polyneices, who he deemed an invader of the city-state. Antigone, the sister of Polyneices, is outraged as a result, goes against Creon’s edict, and follows her religious customs for his burial. When caught, she doesn’t deny her actions

At the beginning of the play, Antigone attempts to convince her sister, Ismene, to bury their brother together. When Ismene declines, Antigone is unwavering, stating, “I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me.” meaning regardless of Ismene’s stance, she will follow through. (33). Her use of “shall” shows confidence in her decision, and pride in being prepared to die for her cause. Nearing the end of the play, Antigone is sentenced to death. She accepts her fate with confidence, telling Creon to “lead me to my vigil” Where she will have “Neither love nor lamentation; no song but silence.” (75). Her words are like a command, even though she has no power over her situation. She doesn't try to gain Creon’s sympathy in order to live, because she is proud of what she is doing– Just like she was earlier! Antigone’s static characterization shows how human justice is not as severe, since she never lost her beliefs or

At the beginning of the play, Creon delivers a speech to the elders about his newfound power. He states his first decree, one that declares Polyneices a traitor, and a person who deserves no burial. “This is my command, and you can see the wisdom behind it. As long as I am King, no traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man.” (39). When he says, “you can see the wisdom behind it” he doesn’t ask for the elder’s opinions because he’s confident, taking pride in his beliefs. When punished by the gods he admits his faults, “I have been rash and foolish” and acknowledges that “Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust.” (96). Initially, Creon was a prideful leader but divine justice made that change drastically. Displaying his dynamic characterization and severity of divine