The Poor Decision of Antigone to Bury: an Analysis

Antigone, a play by Sophocles, revolves around the tragic story of a young woman named Antigone who defies the orders of her king and decides to bury her brother, Polyneices, against the law. This decision leads to a series of unfortunate events and ultimately results in her own demise. The question arises, why does Antigone want to bury Polyneices? This essay will examine the motivations behind Antigone's decision to bury her brother, exploring the themes of duty, family loyalty, and divine law. By analyzing the implications of her actions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of her character and the consequences of her choices.

Body

Antigone's actions can be seen as driven by a strong sense of duty towards her family and the gods. In the opening scene, she expresses her determination to bury her brother, stating, "I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory" (Sophocles 63). This quote highlights Antigone's unwavering commitment to fulfilling her duty, even if it means sacrificing her own life. Her belief in the importance of proper burial rites aligns with the ancient Greek tradition, where the deceased were believed to require a proper burial to ensure their souls' journey to the afterlife.

Furthermore, Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices can also be viewed as an act of defiance against the unjust laws of King Creon. The king's decree prohibits the burial of Polyneices, as he considers him a traitor. However, Antigone's loyalty to her family and her belief in the divine law outweigh any considerations of the king's authority. Her actions can be interpreted as a rebellion against an unjust regime, driven by her sense of duty towards her brother and her moral convictions.

Topic Sentence: Another motivation behind Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices is her unwavering family loyalty.

Antigone's unwavering family loyalty is another driving force behind her decision to bury her brother. As the daughter of Oedipus and sister to both Polyneices and Eteocles, Antigone feels a deep obligation to her family. She believes that familial bonds and responsibilities supersede any societal or political obligations.

Moreover, Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices can be seen as an act of rebellion against the societal norms that prioritize the male members of the family. In ancient Greece, women were often marginalized and had limited agency. By defying the king's decree and taking matters into her own hands, Antigone challenges these gender norms and asserts her agency as a woman. Her decision to bury her brother can be interpreted as a symbol of empowerment and resistance against a patriarchal society.

Topic Sentence: The final motivation behind Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices is her adherence to divine law.

Antigone's belief in divine law plays a significant role in her decision to bury Polyneices. She argues that the laws of the gods take precedence over the laws of men. In her debate with Creon, she states, "Nor did I think your orders were so strong that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakable traditions" (Sophocles 85). This quote demonstrates Antigone's conviction that the gods' laws are eternal and immutable, while human laws are subject to change and manipulation.

Antigone's adherence to divine law can be interpreted as a reflection of her religious beliefs and her deep devotion to the gods. She believes that the consequences of defying the gods' laws are far more severe than any punishment imposed by King Creon. Her decision to bury her brother can be seen as an act of piety, driven by her unwavering faith in the divine order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Antigone's decision to bury her brother Polyneices can be attributed to her sense of duty, family loyalty, and adherence to divine law. Her actions challenge societal norms, defy unjust laws, and assert her agency as a woman. By analyzing the motivations behind Antigone's decision, we can gain a deeper understanding of her character and the complexities of her choices. This tragic tale serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from standing up for one's beliefs and the enduring power of familial bonds and moral convictions.

Overall, Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices is a testament to the strength of her character and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. While her actions may be considered a poor decision from a practical standpoint, they highlight the importance of staying true to one's principles and the potential consequences of defying unjust laws. The story of Antigone continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless themes of duty, loyalty, and the clash between divine and human laws.

Bibliography

Sophocles. "Antigone." Translated by Robert Fagles, Viking Press, 1984.