In the following article, I intend to discuss the source of the conflict between the title characters of Antigone and Creon in Sophocles' "Antigone". I will also discuss how each character justifies their actions and what arguments they provide to justify them. Finally, I talk about who Sophocles believes is right as opposed to who I believe is right. The main source of conflict between Antigone and Creon is the issue of the burial of Antigone's dead brother, Polyneices. Both of his brothers were killed in battle; however one brother fought against their hometown and was considered a traitor. Creon promulgated a law according to which anyone who attempted to bury Polyneices would be put to death. Antigone is very upset because her brother is honored with all the rites of a hero, while the other is dishonored. Antigone is determined to bury her brother because of her loyalty to her family and the gods. She believes that no mortal, like Creon, has the right to keep her from his people. Even if Antigone were to die during the burial, she will not dishonor the laws of the gods. He believes he must please the dead before he can please the living. Creon states: "He who places a friend above the good of his country is nothing." (Antigone 203-204) Therefore he does not allow the burial of Antigone's brother because he did not put the good of his country first. He was a traitor in Creon's eyes. Creon made this law for the good of his country. The following statement by Creon is an example of this: “I could never make my friend that man who threatens our country,” “Never will the traitor be honored above the patriot” (Antigone 233-235). Creon's argument is for loyalty to the countryside and he doesn't think the gods would... middle of paper ......he hears people in the city talking about the situation. Haemon says, "No woman ever deserved death less, and such a brutal death for such a glorious deed... Death? She deserves a shining crown of gold." (Antigone 777-778, 782) The play seems to praise Antigone's actions and we never see her being despised for what she has done, except by Creon. In conclusion, the gods and the love of her family rule Antigone's life. life. Creon's life is governed by what he believes is good for his country and his pride. Creon did not change his mind about freeing Antigone until a prophet told him that he would suffer horribly for his actions. However, because Creon was so stubborn for so long and didn't listen to anyone's advice first, he ultimately suffers, like everyone else in the play. All this was due to one man's lack of common sense, selfish pride and stubbornness.