Morality In Sophocles Antigone

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When people read literature, they can detect notes of conflict between good and evil. However, George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher, believes that the conflict is a battle between two different views of morality. An example of this can be found in Sophocles’ Antigone. Creon believes that the public welfare is before the gods’ decree, but Antigone believes that the gods’ decree is above all else. Both sides want the best for their people as well as their personal needs. While Creon’s and Antigone’s points are valid, this is just another morality versus morality situation.
Creon is usually seen as the antagonist of Antigone. Because of this image, many people will disagree with Creon’s argument for public welfare. Although, Creon …show more content…
Creon does not want the people to look down on him as though he is favoring his relatives over the public. This is one of Creon’s motives as to why he makes a speech to the Elders of Thebes. Another motive is his paranoia. When Laïos and Oedipus left Creon in charge, Creon could have done horrible deeds that might have angered some citizens to the point of bribery and anarchy. This explains why Creon thinks that anarchists are coming for revenge. When Creon discovers that his niece, Antigone, buries her brother, Polyneices, he shows no mercy regarding her punishment. By showing not mercy towards Antigone, it backs up Creon’s statement about not favoring his family over what is best for the citizens of Thebes. Though, after Creon sent Antigone towards her impending doom, the blind prophet, Teiresias, appears before Creon makes a speech to his fellow citizens.

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Sophocles, a much famed tragedian, is considered by many literary critics to be able to write beautiful plays that are effective in teaching the audience valuable life lessons by retelling Ancient Greek mythology into tragedies, whilst using several allusions to other renowned Ancient Greek myths. However, these life lessons were intended for the Ancient Greek audience, but these life lessons have managed to bridge the gap of time and appeal to the modern audience. A clear example of one of Sophocles’…

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