Conflict Between Antigone And Creon

In the story of Antigone, which was a drama written by Sophocles, its major heroes were Antigone and her powerful uncle Creon the king of Thebes. Despite that they were relatives, there were some issues between them, which make them the tragic heroes of the story. The story ended by the death of Antigone, Haemon her Fiancé and his mother, while the king Creon ended up alone after he had lost his close relatives. Based on the story there were two main issues that caused Antigone and Creon to come into conflict as they did. First, was the issue of male gender. second, the main and most important disagreement is the debate of moral and divine law versus human law. In this most important dispute Creon strictly adhere to human laws and Antigone

Ismene tells Antigone that women “were not born to contend with men,” (Sophocles p.75) showing women’s obedience and submission. Also, was stated in the same passage, Ismene says to Antigone: “we’re underlings, ruled by stronger hands,” (Sophocles p.76) a declaration of men’s offensive and “stronger hands” that control women freedom and discriminate from their fair share of respect and recognition. The only woman in Thebes who wishes to break free from these men domination is Antigone, who stands up against Ismene’s wrong obedience urging her to “submit to this,” (Sophocles p.77) and Challenge the powerful king Creon by burying her bother Polynices. By breaking Creon’s proclamation, Antigone defies the traditional gender roles women and men play, Knowing the penalty would be earthly

(Sophocles p.72) "I myself will bury him," she conveyed to Ismene. As soon as Antigone buried her brother, she was brought to the King Creon to explain her guilt. (Sophocles p. 177) Sophocles’ play demonstrates the two sides of the moral conflict of each of the characters, which are moral law or city law; Antigone with the side of moral law and Creon with his side with the laws of the city. Antigone argue with her sister Ismene about the honoring of their brother by telling her it was her job as a sister that she should bury her dead brother. It is a responsibility that she owes to her family. She also says that the king will not "keep me from my own." In other words, loyalty to the family is above her loyalty to the city. Antigone also tells Ismene that she is ready to become a lawbreaker and die for what she thinks is right. She believes her death will not be meaningless, and it is honoring her family; and the god. Creon reply to Antigone by calling her a betrayer because of her disobedience to his law. As a king with a great power and responsibility, Antigone put Creon in a position that If he forgives her, he will become weak in the eyes of everyone. (Sophocles p. 186-187) Creon sees himself as a good ruler, which means that he cannot allow his close relatives to disobey his laws because others will do the same. Creon is irritated that