Before and after Antigone plans the burial of Polynices then actually performs the 'criminal' act, she redefines the perception of law. Rather than listening to the public disclaimer shaming her brother and disrespecting his death rights, she follows the morals of the gods. Antigone firmly believes that the burial of her brother is in respect to the gods wishes and to leave him to rot in an empty field will not only dishonor her family, but those of higher being as well. Antigone explicitly states her opinion on Creon’s law, and has no shame in defying it. To follow the laws of the mortal world would be disrespectful to the gods, by leaving her brother untouched to obey this law will “...dishonor the laws the gods hold in honor.” (91-92) This theme of the afterlife and “pleas[ing] the dead” (89) moves throughout the play, almost molding Antigone’s strength and motivation against Creon and his guards. She holds no shame in the fact that she is honoring her family line and tradition by burying Polynices, as he is just as much a part of their bloodline that Eteocles is. Despite Ismene’s warnings and even the questioning by Creon himself, Antigone does not doubt herself or the consequences she will have to pay. “I did it. I don’t deny a thing.” (492) she tells Creon, who is almost in disbelief that she would perform such an act, but as she says before and will say again “It wasn’t Zeus...who made this proclamation...” (499-501) By employing the emphasis of traditional burial and respect, the play focuses specifically on Antigone’s beliefs and empowerment. Thematic perceptions of self-identity and respect to those to be respected are the two largest components throughout the play, making it a symbol of traditional values and self-empowerment.
It's interesting to see the difference of law Antigone is faced with and what she actually believes in. Creon is forcing the idea of public shame: a punishment for any traitor going against societal standards. On the other hand, Antigone is adamant to respect the morals of the Gods by providing her brother a proper burial. Her defiance to disobey Creon's punishments and to follow her own beliefs shows her driven character and her determination to drive the play forward.
ReplyDeleteThe choice between religious or legal law still exists today. It is very interesting to read your examination of the controversy between the two. Which is the one that should be condemned? Should negligence to one permit repercussions? This debate still goes on today. Recently, when same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide, many people refuse services to same-sex couples on the basis of religious freedom. Is this punishable by law? How would Antigone see this? It is extraordinary that the dilemma facing the ancient Greek people still persists today
ReplyDeleteDenying Polynices' funeral rights was the ultimate punishment. To the Greeks "...the omission of burial rites [was]... an insult to human dignity." Since Polynices is already dead the only way for Creon to feel satisfied is to damn the soul of the person he perceives to be a traitor. It is also tradition that a woman conduct the funeral of a relative, this explains why Antigone feels the urge to honor to the Grecian ritual. The ceremony is also described in depth in this article: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dbag/hd_dbag.htm
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