Civil Disobedience In Sophocles Antigone

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Antigone, a play written by Sophocles, became a classic due to its timeless subject matter. In this play, the Greek dramatist reflected mainly on civil disobedience. Antigone believes in individual rights over state rights. Creon, however, strongly believes in putting state over religion. The play not only revolves on these two political and religious issues, but it also deals with the battle of the sexes.

The play is about a strong-willed woman, Antigone, defying the laws of a proud king, Creon. Antigone is torn between her devotion to the gods, her brother Polynices, and her loyalty to the king. Creon, ruler of Thebes, issued the order to leave the traitor Polynices’ body unburied.

He must be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an obscenity for the citizens to behold! (229-31)

Antigone was not about to simply obey Creon’s absurd decree. She felt that her personal …show more content…

(60-69)

I, for one, I’ll beg the dead to forgive me—
I’m forced, I have no choice—I must obey the ones who stand in power. Why rush to extremes?
It’s madness, madness. (78-81)

Antigone was disappointed at first, but decided that she will bury Polynices with or without Ismene’s help.

You have your excuses. I am on my way,
I’ll raise a mound for him, for my dear brother.

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