Creon, she holds her judgement supreme over his in the matter. “I did not think your edicts strong enough to overrule the unwritten unalterable laws of God and heaven, you being only a man” (138). Her direct challenge to Creon’s authority makes him very angry, not only because his law has been disobeyed, but because he sees that Antigone possesses a great deal of pride, just as he does, but also a higher sense of worth for fellow humans, something that he does not have. She has hurt his pride in himself and his authority, therefore Creon must execute her so that he can show to the public that his laws are not to be broken and that he himself is not to be crossed under any circumstances.It is evident that Antigone must cross Creon because of her personal beliefs. To her, it is better to be put to death herself rather than see her brother’s death in dishonor and shame. “My heart was long since dead, so it was right for me to help the dead” (141). The death of her brother had already left a deep emotional scar, and there was nothing left for Antigone but her own health and her sisters. Because Antigone clings to the love for her dead father and brothers, she feels that she must pay them homage by doing them honor that extends past their life, preserving what was left of a dwindling family dignity.Antigone’s courage comes from her belief that the Gods are the highest authority, and she will be judged in the afterlife by the good deed she has done for her brother in her present life. Her strong sense of morality allows her to overcome the obstacle that Creon sets for her, yet should she have rebelled against a law that was meant for the good of the city and its people?Perhaps by letting her brother’s body rot on a field, she would have brought satisfaction to King Creon, whose pompous authority would have been strengthened. The public, however, was with Antigone is her decision to bury...
