Temmi LattinMrs. HillEnglish February 29, 2014Divine presence versus human law: which one prevails over the other? Since the dawn of time, people have wondered whether or not gods exist, and if they do, are they in control? In Sophocles' Antigone, the reader is introduced to two opposing characters: Antigone and Creon. Creon, the king of Thebes, decrees that Polyneices, who led an army against Thebes, is a traitor and therefore cannot be buried. Antigone, a strong and persistent woman, disagrees with Creon's decision to deny Polyneices a proper burial and is determined to bury him, in defiance of Creon's decision. As a monarch, Creon represents human law and the power of kings, while Antigone represents divine law and the belief that the gods are in control and will punish anyone who defies them. At the end of the play, both characters' futures are doomed, but the initial question of whether this is correct remains. The play Antigone opens with the dialogue of two sisters, Antigone and Ismene, with two completely different opinions. Antigone believes that as Polyneices' sisters, they are responsible for burying him properly, according to the god's rules. On the contrary, Ismene believes that they should not get involved, they are "born women, incapable of adapting to men". (Sophacles, p.3) Antigone disregards this statement and still adamantly insists that they must bury him. She feels that by burying him, she will follow the gods, which is more important than following the ruler. As she says on page 3: “Loving and beloved, I will sleep by her side (Polynices). I have a much longer need to satisfy these lower powers than the earthly powers; for this is where I must stay forever. She believes that in the afterlife, she... middle of paper ......he next king, however, he offers the crown to whoever can solve the riddle instead. When Oedipus solves the riddle, Creon willingly gives up the throne and Jocasta's hand in marriage. This shows that Creon is not power hungry and truly wants what is best for the city. The reader can see that Creon is trustworthy and does not go back on his word, which also explains why he had to punish Polyneices, even after being given reasons not to do so. Furthermore, Creon was certain that no one would disobey him, as we know. see page 10, and I was shocked to learn that someone buried Polyneices, as he says; “What do you say?” Which man dared to do it? Creon sincerely believed that everyone would comply, which is why the punishment is so severe. However, when Antigone accomplished the unseen, how could he go back on his word and be considered dishonest and biased towards his family members?.?