Religion in Antigone

Religion in Antigone

The religious theme in the play "Antigone" by Socrates is a conflict between two laws - God's and human - it's a tragic conflict and has a timeless dimension. An author puts the main characters: Antigone and Creon in situation without any choice. They are not enforced to choose between right and wrong, but between coordinate values A Gods curse weighs down over them, because each of their ventures, each of their choices must end up with disaster.

Antigone - Oedipus' daughter, follows the human and Gods laws based on which every man deserves for the right funeral, she decides to go against Creons will and buries her brother Polynices. Immemorial laws and God laws she puts above all the laws that a mortal ruler has established. A loyalty and a sense of duty is her motive in accordance with her family. In her opinion she performs a "holy crime". She wants to live in agreement with herself. She thinks that mortal person can not cross out god's law, but a death that is waiting for that person can speed up what is going to happen to that person anyway.

I think that Antigone is truly fulfilling her duty. However, I have to concede a certain right for Creon - a representative of the land law. The King thinks that after the war between two brothers - Polynices and Eteocles, a peace is wanted in the state. The Anarchy can become a reason of decay. A King is a deputy of the gods and has a right to make orders in their names. In his opinion a ruler can not put his family above his homeland and so, he should punish a traitor even if he or she has any relation to his family. This punishment also has to frighten away future rebels.