Antigone

Antigone

Sophocles

What is Antigone about?

Antigone dramatizes the conflict between divine law and human law. After her brother Polynices is killed in civil war, King Creon forbids his burial. Antigone defies the decree to honor her brother, setting in motion a chain of tragedies. One of the most powerful explorations of conscience versus authority ever written.

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Main themes in Antigone

Civil disobedience

In Antigone, civil disobedience provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.

Divine vs. human law

The presence of divine vs. human law in Antigone connects readers to its enduring relevance.

Family duty

In Antigone, family duty provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.

Tyranny

Antigone thoughtfully explores tyranny through its central conflicts.

Why Antigone is still relevant today

A foundational text about civil disobedience and individual conscience. Referenced by philosophers from Hegel to Martin Luther King Jr.

About the author

Sophocles

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antigone about?

A woman defies the king's order to bury her brother, sparking a tragedy about conscience vs. authority.

Where can I read it?

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