Antigone

What are the interesting choice points in Antigone ?

Antigone is a play based on human emotions, tragedy and the consequences of one’s own decision in the path of life. The character of Antigone comes out as a bold mature woman who chooses to bury his brother by going against the law of the land. One of the main choice points of this ancient play is the choice made between the state laws and the laws of the God. Another remarkable choice made by Antigone is to deny her sister Ismene the honor of sharing her fate. She is eventually forced to live on alone. The whole play is based on the choices made between the Individual and the state and the conscience versus law. The decisions or choices of Antigone can be clearly seen as moral or divine laws versus Human law. Similarly in the case of Creon state laws are far more important than going by the moral laws or values. This also leads to the conclusion that Creon’s actions leads to the display of ultimate punishable pride as no man can ever create a law superior to divine law. All in all the consequence of Antigone’s actions leads to Creon’s initial decision to have her put to death. She is a martyr in the play. Antigone sacrifices her own personal freedom and commits suicide rather than allow Creon to decide her fate.

What connections to your own life experience are suggested by the story?

The reader of the play Antigone is eventually taken into a whole new world where the reader can connect to the play on a more personal level. I think I am able to connect both with Antigone and the King of Thebes Creon. There have been several phases in my life that I had to give up the moral or the divine laws just to achieve some worldly gain as in case of Creon and eventually realizing during the course of the decision that I was not right and also too late to change my decision. I agree with the theme of the play that Human laws can never be superior to Divine laws. Similarly by learning the hard way I have come...