In the play Antigone, there is a difference in opinion to whether Antigone’s actions to go against “Human” Law or in other words “Governed” Law was justifiable. Is there an invisible line that we can cross when it comes to set laws? In keeping with the ideas of “Divine” law, the dead require a proper burial in order to make the journey to the underworld. Antigone firmly believed that Divine law was far more superior to Civil Law. To Antigone, obeying the gods was more crucial than obeying the government. Antigone would not let her brother go with out a proper burial. She decided to bury her brother Polyneices, even though she knew that burying Polyneices would seal her own death because King Kreon prohibit the burial of Polyneices. Antigone is proud of her actions and even shortly before her death she knows she made the right choice. She believed that her death was a fair trade for the justice of her brother. For Antigone, no law could stand in the way of her strong consideration of her brother’s spirit, not even the punishment of an early death.
Antigone and Ismene are as different from one another as a hammer is from a feather. One is hard and resistant and the other is soft and fragile. It seems that Antigone would have been a strong, successful, independent type woman. Ismene seems to be a more dependent, caring woman. Antigone is strong enough emotionally to stand by what she believes in; she has a certain free defiant sprit, which carries her along. On the other hand, Ismene is more practical; knowing the task is impossible, she feels certain situation to be hopeless. Ismene displays her helplessness and vulnerability in the light of Kreon’s decree. Unsure of her sister’s plan’s to break Kreon decree and bury Polyneices, Ismene argues:
No, we should be sensible:
We are women, born unfit to battle men;
And we are subjects, while Kreon is king.
No, we must obey, even in this,
Even if something could hurt more.
But because I will obey,
I beg forgiveness of the dead;
My plea is that I am forced;
To intervene would be senseless. (73-81)
Once again Ismene’s words clearly state her weak, feminine character and
helplessness within her own dimensions. Antigone, not happy with her sister for not participating in the burial of their brother says to Ismene:
Talk like that, and you’ll make me hate you;
and he, dead, will hate you,
and rightly, as an enemy. (116-118)
To conclude, this play demonstrates many conflicts between the beliefs of human and divine law. This play also demonstrates how different people can be. Sophocles did an exceptional job in portraying the two vast extremes of the spectrum, passion and reason. This dramatic play proves to people that neither extreme passion nor extreme reasons prevail.
Personalities and Beliefs of Sisters
By: Sarah Pinsonneault
Assignment Presented for the Course
Families in Conflict
Taught by Prof. Yves Saint-Pierre
Due Date: February 26, 2003
Winter Semester, 2003
Cegep John Abbott College
