Table of contentsThe importance of funeral ritesDefying King Creon's decreeMoral implicationsConclusionThroughout the play Antigone by Sophocles, the protagonist Antigone is faced with a moral dilemma when she decides to bury her brother, Polyneices, against the orders of her uncle, King Creon. This essay will explore the reasons why Antigone felt obligated to bury her brother and argue that she did indeed have the right to do so. By examining the text, we can better understand Antigone's motivations and the moral implications of her actions.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Importance of Funeral Rites Antigone's desire to bury her brother stems from her deep belief in the importance of proper burial rites. In ancient Greek culture, proper burial of the deceased was considered essential to their journey to the afterlife. Antigone expresses this belief when she says: “But I will bury him; and if I must die, / I say that this crime is holy” (Sophocles, 87-88). This quote highlights Antigone's belief that denying Polyneices a proper burial is sacrilege, and she is prepared to face the consequences, even death, of her actions. Furthermore, Antigone's determination to bury her brother is also motivated by her loyalty and love for her family. . In the text, she states: “I owe a longer allegiance / To the dead than to the living” (Sophocles, 96-97). This statement highlights the importance of family ties and suggests that Antigone's actions are not only motivated by religious beliefs but also by her personal connection to Polyneices. Defying King Creon's decree, Antigone's decision to bury her brother directly challenges the authority of King Creon, who has declared that Polyneices should not be buried as punishment for his rebellion against Thebes. Antigone's defiance can be seen as an act of civil disobedience, motivated by her belief in a higher moral law. She questions Creon's authority when she asks, "And if I die for this, what happiness!" / I will lie with him in death, and I will be as dear to him / as he is dear to me” (Sophocles, 85-87). . This quote illustrates Antigone's willingness to sacrifice her life for her principles and her refusal to comply with an unjust law. Furthermore, Antigone's actions can be interpreted as a challenge to the patriarchal society in which she lives. By challenging Creon, who represents the male-dominated power structure, Antigone asserts her free will and independence. This challenge to societal norms adds another layer of complexity to Antigone's motivations and highlights her desire to defend her own moral values. Moral Implications The act of burying her brother not only has personal significance for Antigone, but it also raises broader moral questions. By refusing Polyneices a proper burial, Creon denies her the possibility of a peaceful afterlife. Antigone argues: “But I will bury him, / and if I must die, / I say that this crime is holy” (Sophocles, 87-88). This quote suggests that Antigone views her actions as a sacred duty, a moral obligation to ensure that her brother's soul finds rest. Additionally, Antigone's actions challenge the concept of justice. While Creon believes he is defending justice by punishing Polyneices for her rebellion, Antigone maintains that justice extends beyond human laws. She states: “Nor did I think your commands were so strong / that you, a mortal man, could override the gods / the unwritten laws and..