Examples Of Nonviolent Resistance In Antigone

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Is nonviolent resistance or forceful disobedience superior to fighting conflict? The tale of Antigone, by Sophocles, tells the story of a young girl named Antigone who learns that her brother, Polyneices, is denied a proper burial by King Creon since he was a traitor to his nation. Antigone decides to defy the king's order and give her brother the burial he deserves. On the other hand, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most prominent figures in the civil rights movement. He believed in using nonviolent action to solve the racial injustices of the mid-20th century. Martin Luther King Jr. and Antigone are two notable figures in history who are known for their strong stance on justice, morality, and civil disobedience. While they lived in …show more content…

In Antigone, once she learns of Creon’s edict that forbids the burying of Polynices, she takes it upon herself to fight against the law that she believes is unjust. Creon does not appreciate Antigone going against his orders so he sentences her to death. Similarly, King used nonviolent direct action to fight racial injustice. King defends the use of nonviolent resistance, arguing that it is a powerful tool for bringing about social change. King's strategy of nonviolent resistance to racial discrimination and Antigone's decision to defy Creon's edict without resorting to violence demonstrate their shared belief in the transformative power of nonviolence. Both also understood that nonviolent resistance could bring attention to the issue and force those in power to address it. He argued that waiting for the legal system to bring about change is not enough and that direct action is necessary to force those in power to address issues of injustice. Furthermore, Antigone also believed that direct action was the only way for a higher authority to change their mind on certain issues. Their fight for justice and the right to challenge unjust laws is a similarity between the stances of Martin Luther King and …show more content…

He was an advocate of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, which he believed were powerful tools to bring about social change. King believed in the power of peaceful protests, boycotts, and sit-ins to challenge unjust laws and practices. On the other hand, Antigone was a character who was willing to disobey the law to fulfill her moral obligations. Antigone was a strong-willed woman who believed in the importance of burying her brother Polyneices, even though King Creon had prohibited it. She was willing to face the consequences of her disobedience, including death, to honor her brother and do what she believed was right. Furthermore, King believed in the power of love and forgiveness, while Antigone's beliefs were more focused on revenge and honor. King believed that love and forgiveness were the most powerful weapons against hatred and injustice, while Antigone's actions were driven by her desire for revenge and her belief in the importance of familial honor. King and Antigone’s stances differ because King was an advocate for nonviolent resistance to solve conflict while Antigone believed violence might have needed to be used to achieve her