How does the conflict between Antigone and Creon speak to the theme of justice in the play?
The conflict between Antigone and Creon in the play "Antigone" highlights the different perspectives on justice held by the two characters. Antigone believes in divine justice and the importance of honoring traditional religious customs, while Creon represents the idea of human law and order.
Antigone's decision to bury her brother Polyneices goes against Creon's decree, which forbids anyone from honoring or burying him. Antigone believes that it is her duty to ensure that her brother receives a proper burial and that she is fulfilling a higher moral obligation by disobeying Creon's law. She believes in the higher law of the gods, and that divine justice should take precedence over human laws.
On the other hand, Creon believes in the importance of upholding his laws and maintaining order in the city. He views Antigone's actions as a challenge to his authority and believes that allowing her to defy his decree would lead to chaos and anarchy. Creon's concept of justice is based on the idea of following the laws of the state and maintaining social order.
The conflict between Antigone and Creon raises questions about the nature of justice and the role of individual conscience in the face of unjust laws. It ultimately forces the audience to consider which form of justice should take precedence – divine justice or human law. The tragic outcome of the play suggests that a balance between the two may be necessary in order to achieve true justice.