Wrong vs. Right

Sarah Scheidel

ENGL 2200

There is always a constant struggle between what is right and what is wrong. Throughout history, some of the most prominent figures in government and literature have toyed with this decision.  Is it right to honor what is true to you or is it right to honor the law? Which situation is considered wrong?  In Antigone's case, she stayed true to herself and disobeyed the law set forth by Creon.  I greatly admire Antigone for burying her brother because, in the end, the afterlife is all that matters.  She may be considered a traitor on Earth, but in the afterlife she will be honored by her brother and the gods for risking her own life in order to obey an older tradition created by the gods.  I thought Creon was unjust and cruel; it seemed like he was attempting to assert his power as the new king.  I also firmly believe that a person should not act in such a manner just because everyone else is doing it.  If something goes against your sound moral compass then you should stick up for your beliefs just as Antigone did.  In this play written by Sophocles, I find Ismene to be a very weak character; she lacks a backbone.  She is a submissive woman who blindly obeys the law.  Ismene is content with the fact that women do not possess a voice in society; they are more or less servants.  I find it very difficult to sympathize with the sister of Antigone, mainly because Antigone herself has such a strong personality much like me.  I enjoy reading about the strong female character who is independent and voices her opinion in a classy fashion. She is not afraid.  I find these qualities to be refreshing and interesting.