Antigone: Human Law Vs Divine Law Essay

Antigone Human Law VS Divine Law

Through Antigone, Anouilh and Sophocles explore the idea of Human Law VS Divine Law, and how they affect the characters directly and indirectly throughout the play. Both authors express this through the way the characters experience and express their isolation. In both Anouilhs and Sophocles versions of Antigone, the beliefs of Divine Law and Human Law directly lead characters to emotional isolation. Antigone believes in Divine Law throughout the entire play, which leads to her emotional isolation from Haemon and her fate. Creon believes strictly in Human Law throughout the play, which leads to his emotional isolation. Haemon is caught in the crossfire between Antigones belief in Divine Law, and Creons belief in Human Law, which results in his emotional isolation from Creon.

Throughout the play, Antigone believes in Divine Law to the extent that it leads to her emotional isolation from Haemon and her own fate. Antigone`s firm belief in Divine Law leads to her emotional isolation from her own fate, demonstrated by the quote: You are mistaken. I never doubted for an instant that you would have put me to death. (Anouilh, 45) This quote shows the general and at-ease way in which Antigone speaks about her death, showing how she has emotionally isolated herself so that her death would not bother her. Antigones strong belief in Divine Law results in her emotional isolation from her fianc, Haemon, and the hopes and dreams that she once shared with him. Antigone says to Haemon, If you please, Haemon, go now. Its the only thing left that you can do for me if you still love me, (Anouilh, 32) right after they finish talking about their dreams and excitement about getting married and having a son together. This quote shows that because Antigone knows she is going to die because of her strong belief in the Divine Law, she is breaking Haemons heart and shattering both their dreams. Therefore, even though Antigone is so sure that she is going to die, because of her strong belief in the Divine Law, Antigone emotionally isolates herself from her fate and Haemon so that her emotions do not get in the way of her decisions and actions

Creon, throughout the whole play of Antigone, demonstrates his firm belief in Human Law which eventually results in his emotional isolation leading up to his ability to do his job without any external influence(s) (lke guilt or care). Creon supports his ideals of Human Law and his own Law to the point that it virtually provokes his own isolation. Towards the end of the play, Creon says, Bring out the she-devil, and let her die/Now, with her bridegroom by to see it done! This quote is said after Haemon threatens to kill himself if Antigone is killed. Creons reaction (ordering Antigones death and his son to watch) is proof of his isolation, as he is able to carry out such harsh orders towards his son and niece. Towards the climax of the play, Creon says, Haemon you will have to resign yourself to a life without Antigone. Sooner or later there comes a day of sorrow in each mans life when he must cease to be a child and take up the burden of being a man. That day has come for you. (Anouilh, 62) This quote demonstrates that because Creon is so strong in his belief of Human Law, he refuses to change the law or his mind about the death of Antigone now, as she has made her decision about her death. This will cause the death of his son and his niece, but that does not matter to him. Therefore, because of his stubbornness in terms of his belief, he creates a need for his own emotional isolation which allows him to behave so rashly with his son and his niece.

Haemon becomes emotionally isolated from his father as a result of the crossfire between Human Law and Divine Law. During the climax, the Messenger says, Haemon was deaf to his fathers voice; till suddenly he stood up of his own accord, his eyes dark and burning. [] He stared at his father. Then suddenly he struck him hard in the face, then he pulled out a knife and lunged at his father. [] Haemon went on staring at him, his eyes full of contempt a glance that Creon couldnt escape. (Anouilh, 69) This shows Haemons emotional detachment from his father. Haemon is able to physically attack and try to kill Creon with no remorse or thought that he is attacking his own father. The amount of hatred that is now harboured by Haemon towards his father is enough to even stop Creon in his tracks: [] a glance that Creon couldnt escape. Creons authority is very important to him, as he has a strong belief in Human Law. Creons authority is very important to him, as he has a strong belief in Human Law. Haemon has become emotionally detached from his father, so he no longer regards his fathers opinions or laws as right which is the largest insult there is for Creon. This is proven in the quote, Only because I know you are wrong, wrong, (Sophocles, 146), said by Haemon. Therefore, because of Creons refusal to change his mind about Antigones death as a result of his strong belief in Human Law, Haemon becomes emotionally isolated from his father.

In both Anouilhs and Sophocles versions of Antigone, the beliefs of Divine Law and Human Law directly lead characters to emotional isolation. Antigone believes strongly in Divine Law throughout the entire play, which directly leads to her emotional isolation from her fianc, Haemon, and her own fate. Creon strictly believes in Human Law and does not believe in changing his laws or views, which leads to his emotional isolation so his decisions will not be affected by his emotions. Haemon is caught in the crossfire between Antigones belief in Divine Law and Creons belief in Human Law, resulting in his emotional isolation from his father because of his fathers stubborn decision to kill his love Antigone. Therefore, strict belief in Divine or Human Law can lead to major conflicts because of the disagreement of what is considered right, and what is considered wrong.