Category Archives: Uncategorized

Throughout the story, we are told that Kreon, the king of Thebes, is the one whose authority determines the law. The play revolves around a major issue regarding the burial of the brothers who killed each other—Eteokles and Polyneikes—who are … Continue reading →

In Antigone, law can be divided into two “authorities”: the gods and Kreon. Laws relating to family ties, although considered their own, are related to the gods. Zeus is the defender of bonds between family members and thus is the … Continue reading →

Creon has sentenced Antigone to capital punishment for disobeying his orders. After learning that Antigone was about to face death, the Chorus, a group of old men, are used to remind the audience of the similarities between Antigone’s fate and … Continue reading →

One of the most powerful passages in Antigone is the ode to man. It is the first of the choruses, or poetic interruptions by Theban elders. Since Antigone is not broken up into acts, scenes or books, the chorus serves … Continue reading →

Love, particularly familial love, is a very strong theme in Antigone.  Antigone, the sister of Polyneikes, wants to give Polyneikes a just burial. Kreon, King of Thebes and the uncle of Antigone, does not allow Polyneikes to be buried due … Continue reading →

As the king, Kreon has power and authority in what he thinks is lawful. According to Kreon, “An man who keeps his home in order will be perceives as righteous by his city. But if anyone steps out of line, … Continue reading →

1) What law? Whose law? In Antigone, law is ultimately determined by the gods. At first glance, it might appear that law is determined by Kreon, the king, but after examining the details of the play, it is clear that law … Continue reading →

Antigone provides insight into the complex mind of a lawmaker who creates legislation that is predicated on projection of personal insecurities. Creon makes his stance on governmental intervention clear: “For I believe that who controls the state / and does … Continue reading →

By the power of his crown and the authority of his title, a king is the rightful law bringer. But who put that king into power? Kreon’s role is largely the result of Fate. The prophecy about Oedipus has come … Continue reading →

In Antigone, mortal and immortal law clash. The laws in question surround traitors and burial, with human politics focusing on the dead’s traitorous actions and godly authority focusing on the importance of a proper burial. Kreon uses his power as … Continue reading →