The Conflict Between Creon And Antigone

The major conflict is between Creon and Antigone. The conflict was over the decision to determine which principles were most valuable. One would argue or question whether the duties of the gods are more essential than the law of the land. However, one would also argue that we have the power to make choices that will affect not only our lives, but the lives of other people. In our everyday life we’re always faced with situations like Antigone that causes us to make wise sound choices. Its how we handle the consequences behind our choices is what matter. This is where the major issue between Creon and Antigone began.

In this story, Antigone experienced the loss of her two brothers. She knew Eteocles would receive an honorable burial

because he defend the city, however, on the other hand, she knew Polynecies would not because he betrayed his city. King Creon declared that no one should bury or even say a pray for Polynecies because of what he had done to his city. Despite what Creon had ordered, Antigone knew if she did not give Polynecies a proper burial would be a dart to the gods. At this point Antigone had to decide whether to follow the law of the gods or follow the law of the land. Antigone is very distraught by her brother’s death. She realized that major tragedy has fallen upon her family. Therefore, Antigone came up with a plan to bury her brother Polynecies, and this is how the conflict began. Therefore, she disclosed this proposal to her sister Ismene. Ismene knew what Antigone wanted to do was going against the new orders of King Creon. This puts Antigone in a position to either be defiant and go against the Kings order or follow her heart and obey the law of the gods. Besides, Antigone knew no one would bury, or mourn for her brother per the new law set by Creon (line 20). Antigone believed that honor is due to all the dead (line 413). Antigone was willing to sacrifice her life and be with the dead to prove that she stood firm in what she believed in.
One the other hand, Creon had to justify if the new laws that he created/enforced where the honorable thing to do.

Creon knew that no Ruler can expect complete loyalty from his subjects until he had been tested in office (line 146-147). Creon felt that if his country was headed for ruins that he could not be afraid to speak out plainly; and that he hardly could remind you that he would have no dealings with an enemy of the country (lines 154-157). Nevertheless, Antigone went along with her plans and buried her brother Polynecies. One of the messengers saw that Polynecies had been buried and went to inform the King. Once the king heard this news, he insisted to know which nuisance did this. One of the Kings messengers went to deliver the news that Antigone was the culprit who buried Polynecies. The King became furious and outraged by the information that had been divulged to him. King Creon and Antigone were both stubborn and set in their ways and felt that each one had to defend themselves. Creon felt the need to question Antigone. Antigone argued that it was the law of man that made it illegal and not the law of the gods (line

357-358).

King Creon confronted Antigone and asked her why should an enemy be honored?

Antigone made it known that she loved her family and her deceased brothers. Antigone felt the decision she made to bury her brother was the honorable thing to do even if her life depended on it. When Antigone was charged for what she had done, she denied nothing. King Creon was so outraged with Antigone that he ordered that she be put to death. Even after getting wise counseling and advice from his son Haimon and his God Teiresias, not to but Antigone to death, King Creon ignored the advice and believed that he had to stand firm on the new laws that he put in place.

In expressing Creon and Antigone views, we noticed that Creon was not acting justly. Creon refused to see Antigone actions were all good. Creon placed greater value in the city and the laws he made instead of the, providing compassion for his family. He declined to see the law of the gods until it was foretold to him by the prophet that he will pay (line 842). Antigone never under estimated her love for her family, nor did Creon question what he considered his civil duty to the city until his behavior lead to the death of his entire

family.

There are many themes in the story that are parallel to issues that we are confronted within our society today. Take for instance line 495-500, when Creon and his son Haimon where having a family discussion. Creon tried to make Haimon follow his orders and forbid him to see or even marry Antigone, because of what she had done. And in our society today we have parents who try to dictate and rule their children lives. We also experience where people follow their own cognizance instead of obeying the law of the land, and don’t care about accepting the consequence behind their actions (line 15-24 and lines 357-374).