9/8 Antigone #2a

Moral Conflict
I agree with Hegel that Antigone represents the collision of right against right because both sides have an equally justifiable position for the situation. Antigone was right in standing by both of her brothers and honoring Polynices' body. In Greek culture, people honored the gods by honoring the bodies of the dead with a proper burial. The gods of the underworld demanded equality for all the dead. Antigone followed her beliefs first in her conversation with Ismene, her sister. Antigone chastises Ismene for not wanting to help her retrieve Polynices' body and for being afraid of the king's wrath. When Ismene decides to help Antigone, Antigone declines her help because she saw her as half-hearted. Antigone, after burying her brother's body, then defends her beliefs to Creon, the king, who then threw in jail for her disobedience. Creon could also be seen as justified in his actions. Creon saw Polynices as a traitor since he had used foreign troops to fight his brother Eteocles for sole rule over Thebes. As a traitor, Creon would not allow Polynices to be buried and left his body out as an example. Creon believed that the gods of war and the gods that protected the city would not want a traitor to be buried. Creon was also looking out for the overall welfare of the city and had to keep a strong front against the enemies of Thebes. His loyalty to the state was above any friend or family ties. Sophocles sides with Antigone in the end. Tiresias, the blind prophet, tells Creon the gods were on the side of Antigone and that Creon was in the wrong. Creon repents, has Polynices proerly buried, and orders Antigone freed. However, she, Creon's wife, and Creon's son all commit suicide, punishing Creon for his pride.

To Regret or Not to Regret
Creon insists that Antigone be put to death because of the attitude towards women and his position of authority. In Greek society, women were to be obedient to men and take to servant role in the household. Women were seen as inferior to men could not make any major decision on their own. Creon, being the king, had the right for everyone to follow his order. Anyone who did not could have been put to death for the welfare of the state. Creon's punishment for his decisions humbled him and made him aware to the necessity for grace. Antigone does not regret her decision because she has a strong belief in her gods that she has done the right thing.