willing to die for something she intrinsically knows is wrong, a belief that is part of her essence as a human being. Many of the characters die in Antigone, yet they each die for noble causes. Antigone dies for the honor of her brother. Her lover Haemon, son of Creon, dies for love of her. His mother, wife of Creon, dies for love of her son. The perpetual theme of death for love and honor is a poignant part of the play as a whole. The qualities of compassion and love pervade over pride, another strong human emotion. All these qualities are part of a human being’s essence, yet love takes priority over all and is stronger than death. Antigone resolves not to give in to regret and humiliation, but to transcend law with her undying love.Perhaps laws are essential for the existence of humanity because they provide a necessary structure and function to our daily life, yet the unwritten laws of humanity, the truths and values that an individual holds onto, sometimes prove stronger than any written human law. Laws are not always right, yet most people will follow them to preserve their lives, or their dignity, but that dignity only goes as far as how others will view them, because there cannot be true dignity in an individual who does not practice what he or she believes. When there is such a strong contradiction between written law and conscience, there is always someone who will follow his or her heart....
