Theme Of Justice In Antigone

As individuals, we see ourselves as making our own decisions and leading our own lives. In the moment, we feel ourselves individually being pulled towards to destiny, but its not only our choices, but everyone elses that form our world. Montaigne says “we are all patchwork, and so shapeless and diverse in composition that each bit, each moment, plays its own game. And there is as much difference between us and ourselves as between us and others.” Ultimately, we are all alike in that our desire propels us into action and conflict to stay true to our beliefs. In Sophocles’ Antigone, Kreon and Antigone battle with their conflicting opinions of justice. In Aristophanes’ Frogs, the wise poets argue who is fit to rescue Athens, and in the Homer’s

Still, each of these motivations brings a heated force to Hector and Achilles fight. Although Hector know’s he’ll most likely die in battle, he goes anyway, fearful of “hearing [his family’s] cry as [they] are dragged away” (Homer 254.490). Achilles rage is doubled by his best friends death, and I believe this is what makes Hector cower when they finally meet to fight. Hector knows Achilles is fueled by more than just honor for himself; he needs to fulfill Patroclus’ honor as well. Hector has said his final words to his wife and son, and after drawing in his courage and a valiant attack with his spear, he is defeated. Although Achilles ultimately one out over Hector, they had in common a point in which to strive for; loved ones they attempted to, in Achilles case, honor, and in Hector’s, protect. This similarity in hunger to fulfill their duties brings out different sides of the character: Achilles enraged and Hector cowering. Yet, I believe both are almost as pure of human emotion that is available to us, and both men exploit this emotion. Achilles used his anger and vengeance to kill and Hector hopes to die in the place of his wife and son. These men are both utterly fervent in their motivations and ending emotions, a characteristic that relates not only them, but all humans