Antigone
by Sophocles•1999
382 pages
Sophocles' "Antigone" is a profound Greek tragedy exploring the fundamental conflict between individual moral conscience and rigid state authority.
Set in Thebes after a devastating civil war, the play centers on Antigone, who defies King Creon's decree by performing funeral rites for her brother Polynices, believing divine and familial obligations supersede human law.
Through this powerful narrative, Sophocles examines complex themes of personal integrity, divine versus human justice, gender roles, and the devastating consequences of unbending political power.
Key ideas
When faced with conflicts between personal principles and authority, carefully evaluate the moral stakes and be prepared to defend your values, even at personal cost.
The central conflict in Antigone revolves around the clash between divine law and state law. Antigone must choose between obeying King Creon's decree (which forbids the burial of her brother Polynices) and following religious tradition that demands proper burial rites. Despite knowing the consequence is death, Antigone chooses to honor divine law and her family duty by burying her brother. She famously declares that she was born to join in love, not hate, demonstrating that some principles transcend human authority. This conflict remains relevant today in cases of civil disobedience and moral courage in professional settings. The example teaches us that while defying authority carries risks, compromising core values can have deeper personal costs.
Make principled decisions with full awareness
Write down the conflict between what authority demands and what you believe is right. List potential consequences of both compliance and resistance. Consult with a trusted mentor or friend.
Who should read this book?
- Philosophy students seeking to understand classical moral dilemmas
- Political science scholars examining theories of civil disobedience
- Theater professionals and classical literature enthusiasts interested in Greek dramatic traditions
Why It Matters
As a seminal work of Western literature, "Antigone" remains critically important for understanding moral philosophy, political theory, and human rights.
In the classical Athenian context, the play challenged contemporary social structures by presenting a female protagonist who prioritizes moral conviction over state mandates.
The work continues to resonate in modern discourse about civil disobedience, individual rights, and the limits of governmental authority.
Scholars and philosophers like Hegel have extensively analyzed the play's central conflict, seeing it as a fundamental tension between different legitimate but competing ethical claims.
Its enduring relevance is evident in how it continues to inspire discussions about personal conscience, governmental power, and universal ethical principles across legal, philosophical, and theatrical disciplines.