Justice In Sophocles Antigone

In Antigone by Sophocles translated by Robert Fagels demonstrates the distinction between the knowledge of what is just and what is unjust. Two characters following different view points formed conflict, not only with each other, but conflict within themselves. Creon the King of Thebes’s understanding of justice is his interest of the state. He believes the rules are made to follow and when you do not abide by them, there are consequences that you will have no choice but to face. On page 68 lines 234-235 Creon stated “ But whoever proves his loyalty to the state, I’ll prize that man in death as well as life”. Meaning that whoever buries Polyneices the traitor of the state will be sentenced to death, seemingly that the person is not worth living. His laws are based on rationality, due to the fact that his laws are set for securing the community, which he is doing for the “living”. Furthermore Creon defends his understanding of Justice by using Zeus as

When he claims justice was the interest in the state, he was deceiving the land, in actuality, Justice was the interest in himself, claiming “the city is the king’s that’s the law” line 825. Thus, representing the power that he has. When confronted by his son, Haemon declare that his decisions were too insensitive, which caused the city mourn for Antigone line 776. However Creon was too stubborn to listen, additionally insulting his son calling him a “woman’s slave” line 848 meaning someone whose actions are opposed to men due to the fact that the society is patriarchal. Consequently, not providing Polyneices with a proper burial and isolating Antigone from the city to die alone, uproar the Gods and lead his family to commit suicide. Sophocles unveil that Creon’s action of pride and stubbornness, which exposes the interest of him, destroys the Royal family leaving him neither state nor