Creon's Definition Of Justice In Antigone

Thomas Jefferson once said, “It is reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice.” In the play Antigone by Sophocles, it contrasts many perspectives and definitions of justice. In the beginning, two brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, fight in a civil war for who reigns Thebes, but both have been killed. Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, have honored Eteocles and disgraced Polyneices. He took the disgrace further and lawed that ever who buries polyneices will be executed. However, his niece, Antigone, defied his orders and buried Polyneices. When Creon found out, he decided to execute Antigone anyway, despite her identity as his niece and many negative responses from his successor and citizens. Creon’s defiance became the auxiliary rule of law, regardless of the importance of citizens. Antigone, however, defined her justice to the duty of the gods. Although Creon believes that the state is the supreme of justice, Antigone sided that the gods and human law are the key points of justice. Antigone draws a sharp distinction of the laws of the gods and the civil law. For

He states, “My voice is the one voice giving orders in this city!” (2.596). As Creon became extremely prideful of his power, he begins to contradict the duty of the gods and citizens. Because of this, Creon’s only justice is his own opinion rather than other wise advice that is given to him. However, Antigone challenged Creon’s law. Antigone reflects an immunity to his power and influence of fear. Antigone states, “...I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy…” (1.55-56). Definitely, Antigone is standing up against Creon’s justice. She’s the only woman with the will to stop him, but she isn’t enough of a dominion to stop him. For Antigone, her justice is to repeal the law and stick to the justice of human