Moral Law vs Civil Law
The line I feel interprets the play Antigone is “It is your own self-willed temper that has destroyed you”. This line supports the play. I think Antigone could have handled the whole situation a lot differently. Being a woman in that time made her defensive. She was brave but was she wise. Antigone could have tried to outsmart Creon. She could have taken care of her brother’s body quietly and been a survivor. Antigone was responsible for her own destruction and her sister’s future as a lone survivor.
Antigone should not have been so outspoken about her plan. Ismene tells her “At least do not speak this act to anyone else; burry him in secret; I will be silent, too. “(Ismene 97-98). Antigone will not take this great advice. Antigone said to her sister Ismene “OH oh no shout it out. I will hate you still worse for silence should you not proclaim it to everyone” (Antigone 99-101). I think if she was discreet in burying her brother they all may have stayed alive. Antigone should have buried him quietly this way she would have done right by her Gods, and her family. She would have been safe, and been alive for her sister. They were the only two left alive in the family. She should have valued her sister’s life more if she died Ismene would be left alone with her cruel uncle.
When Creon and Antigone speak, Antigone is not fearful of him. She does not plea her case she just admits to the deed. She could have tried to explain the religious point of view to Creon. Making him see the religious point of view was a great option especially that his group of advisors, his wife, his son and Teriresias would have supported her. She tells Creon the people believe he is wrong. Creon said she was wrong and Antigone replied “No, these do, too, but keep their mouths shut for the fear of you” (Antigone 555-556). Teiresias also tries to tell Creon the truth “All the cities stir in hatred against you because their son is mangled shreds received their burial rights from dogs, from wild beasts or when some bird of the air brought a vile stink to each city that contained the hearts of the dead” (Teiresias 1141-1145). This statement proves the people of Thebes were on Antigone’s side. She needed to bring this to Creon’s attention. She needed to fight for her life and not act so reckless.
Antigone does what she wants in spite of her sister’s wishes. The fact that she is so strong minded destroys her and what is left of her family. It is a man’s society in the time of this play. Antigone should have had a strong wit to go along with her attitude and maybe she would have survived. Not only did her actions cost her life but it also cost the life of Haemon and his mother. Antigone and her unthoughtful actions caused Thebes a lot of unnecessary drama and set the tone for the play.
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