What does your definition of family look like? Would you go as far to support your family? Are you willing to go against the rule of your ruler? If so, what consequences will this have on your family? Antigone, a theatrical play by Sophocles depicts Antigone as a sister to Odysseus and a daughter of Antigone. She is having an inner debate about whether or not she will rebel against her uncle Creon and forbid Polynices’ burial. Creon had forbade Polyneices from being buried because he killed his brother Eteocles. Both of their brothers died in battle. Creon awarded Eteocles an honourable burial. Polyneices, however, was to be left unburied so that they could be left with their dogs. The Gods are a major part of each character’s lives in Greek literature. Polynices’ death would have angered the gods. Polyneices could not go to heaven with the gods. All things being equal, Antigone was correct in burying her brother. Antigone chose Polyneices to be buried out of respect for her brother.
Sophocles’s era saw religion playing a different function in peoples’ lives that it does today. Gods were a part of every day in the period of Sophocles’ play. Everything in civilians’ daily lives was decided by Gods. They wouldn’t be buried without them. King, I was wondering: Could it have been the gods that did this? The choragus suggested that Polyneices might have been buried by gods. Polyneices had been a ruler in the past so it is not surprising that the gods would have done this. Antigone did the right thing by burying her brother. Polyneices had been a ruler in the past so it was natural for them to do so. Antigone also believed that Polyneices’ death was appropriate because of her love for her brother and the importance of family. Antigone asks her sister to assist her in burying Polyneices. Antigone then tells her her plans and hopes that her sister will feel the same responsibility. Ismene refuses her sister’s help in burying her brother. Antigone replied, “Since apparently the laws of gods mean nothing for you,” and Antigone went on to secretly bury her brother. Creon confronted Antigone. Antigone replies to the ruler, “Nevertheless all the deceased are entitled honors.” Antigone doesn’t fear Creon. She would rather see her brother buried in peace and respected by gods than for her brother to be unburied, angering the gods. This shows how much Antigone held her brother and family in high regard.
Creon questions his decision toward the end. He starts to realize the importance of having buried Polyneices. He realized his error and ran straight to the chamber that they kept Antigone in, demanding it be opened. His son Haemon is there when he finally arrives. Haemon was Antigone’s fiancée. Haemon threatens his dad and then kills himself because he is grieving for the loss of his fiancee. Creon admits to being wrong in the end and Antigone was right in burying her brother.
Antigone buries her brother in honor of him. Despite not being supported by anyone, she made the decision because she loved her brother and her family. It was right because she believed it was the right decision. Creon, who had banned burial due to traitory, also believed it was the best thing to do. Also, God had ordained that everyone should be buried in the afterlife to assure a happy afterlife.
