Antigone vs Creon

Choose Between Creon and Antigone

Throughout Sophocles’ Antigone, your feelings are often pulled between Creon and Antigone. They both stand for very different, yet meaningful things. However, they are both at opposite ends of the spectrum. If I had to choose between Creon and Antigone, I would take Antigone’s side.

The main argument in this story between Creon and Antigone was over which laws should be obeyed. Antigone wanted a proper burial for her brother. Antigone believed that the right to a proper burial was a law that came from the Gods, and it should be strictly followed. This belief is the main difference between Antigone and Creon. Creon believed that laws were created by humans; not by the Gods. So Creon did not want to allow the burial of Antigone’s brother.

Determination plays a big role in the struggle between Antigone and Creon. For example, Antigone is extremely determined for her brother to have a proper burial. This determination ultimately lands her in jail when she defies Creon. Antigone buries her brother against Creon’s orders, and her puts her in jail for this. Power is another big factor in this story. Antigone wants the power to do right by her brother, and Creon wants the power to control the situation.

The reason I have chosen to take Antigone’s side over Creon’s side is because Antigone is following her heart, and not just following orders/laws like Creon is. Antigone’s struggle is fueled by devastation and loss because of the death of her brothers. She just wants her brother to have a proper burial because in her mind, this is a completely reasonable request. Creon, on the other hand, seems very cold. He understands this is Antigone’s brother, but it does not matter to him. All that seems to matter to Creon is follow the laws created. Creon seems to think of things in a very strict “black or white” matter. There seems to be no middle ground for Creon – he thinks something is either entirely right or entirely wrong. This is why...