Contradiction Between Morals in Sophocles Antigone Essay

Antigone:nbsp; Contradiction Between Morals nbsp; In Ancient Greece, new ideals surfaced as answers to lifes complicated questions. These new beliefs were centered on the expanding field of science. Man was focused on more than the Gods or heavenly concerns. A government that was ruled by the people was suggested as opposed to a monarchy that had existed for many years. Freedom of religion was encouraged in city-states. These new ideals, though good in intentions, often conflicted with each other creating complex moral dilemmas. Such was the case in Antigone, a play written by Sophocles during this era of change. In the play, Antigone and Creon battle a philosophical war exemplifying the conflict existing in the Greek ideals.†¦show more content†¦An important ideal in Ancient Greece was the belief that the government was to have no control in matters concerning religious beliefs. In Antigones eyes, Creon betrayed that ideal by not allowing her to properly bury her brother, Polynices. She believed that the burial was a relig ious ceremony, and Creon did not have the power to deny Polynices that right. Antigones strong beliefs eventually led her to her death by the hand of Creon. Never, though, did she stop defending what she thought was right. As Creon ordered her to her death, Antigone exclaimed, I go, his prisoner, because I honored those things in which honor truly belongs (Sophocles page #).nbsp; She is directly humiliating Creon by calling his opinions and decisions weak and unjust. She also emphasizes his prisoner, which tells us that Creons decision to capture Antigone was his own, and was not backed up by the majority of the people. She feels that Creon is abusing his power as king and dealing with her task to a personal level. Creons actions are guided by the ideal that states man is the measure of all things. The chorus emphasizes this point during the play by stating that There is nothing beyond (mans) power (Sophocles page #). Creon believes that the good of man comes before the gods. Setting the example using Polynices body left unburied is a symbol of Creons belief. No man who is his countrys enemy shall call himself my friend (Sophocles page #).nbsp;Show MoreRelated A Comparison of Antigone and A Dolls House Essay688 Words   |  3 PagesSimilarities in  Antigone and A Dolls House    Ibsens A Dolls House has been called the first modern play. The play was considered revolutionary because it broke several molds which had endured for centuries. 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