Moral Authority In Antigone

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According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary morality is defined as beliefs about what is right behavior and what is wrong behavior. Many people are told to " do the right thing no matter what the cost." Doing the right thing despite authority demonstrates great strength of character and models moral behavior. In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, Antigone battles between her moral obligations to the gods and her obligations of the government. She is willing to be punished in order to do what she feels is the right thing to do. A small number of people will actually follow through with actions like Antigone has. "Antigone" a play by Sophocles argues that moral authority is the responsibility of the individual and this can be at odds…show more content…
She understands the law and knows she will be punished for defending her beliefs. "In spite of this knowledge, indeed, because of it, she adheres to her convictions because she is convinced that doing so is a social responsibility and that following her sense of moral certitude is far more important than adhering to or playing to societal norms or expectations." (Smith) Antigone feels Kreon's law is dictatorial and unfair. In her heart she cannot follow it. She will fight it no matter what the punishment will be. She chooses to live according to God's law which defines her culture and moral beliefs about what is right and fair. She defends her stand on what she feels is right even if it means isolation and a negative response from her family and society. She is even willing to die. She feels she is honoring her brother and the gods will respect her. She took pride in what she had done. When Kreon asks Antigone if she had buried her brother, she says "I swear I did. And I don't deny it." (Sophocles, 759) He also asks her if she is aware of his law and why she dares to violate it. Her reply
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