Antigone’sĀ decision not to follow Creon’s decree against giving Polynices a proper burial is therefore an example of civilĀ disobedience, or a refusal to obey the law on moral grounds.
Her duties to the city was to obey to the laws and the king.
Civil disobedience is disobeying the government and the law. Antigone is disobedient to the law because she wants to bury her brother, even though there is an edict forbidding it. She is motivated because she believes family comes before government, and is willing to die to bury her brother.
Antigone could be a criminal because she is disobeying the king and the law, which is obviously illegal. Antigone could also be a hero because she is doing what she thinks is right, burying her brother because he is family and she loves him.
He thinks that the citizens are very patriotic, but also have to trust and believe in him. Creon was motivated in banning the burial of Polyneices because he thinks that Polyneices was a traitor; therefore, doesn’t deserve a proper burial. Now that Creon is king, he wants the citizens to be loyal, and favor him; he can prove that he deserves their trust by showing that he cares more about the city than his family.
Watching the video gave me a better sense of what the play really represents, while also showing an impact around itself as a play.
Kevin,
You have made some accurate observations about the plot and character motivations in the play. And I’m glad you could see the impact that the Theater of War’s production had on its audience.
There is one part of the question that you did not address– which is “has the play helped you to think about the world we live in today.” This question (and your answer/s to it) leads into the next assignment, which involves researching topics that are important to you.
So, as you move on to the work for Week 9, think about how Antigone helps you to think about specific challenges we face in today’s world.
Otherwise, you’ve done a nice job with this response. And you’ve made some important points about the family dynamics in this ancient Greek tragedy!