Antigone And Socrates The Good Life - 1730 Words

â€Å"The good life† can have various interpretations to different people. Sophocles’ Antigone and Socrates in the Apology represent similar principles that guide the way in which the characters live their life. In Sophocles’ play, Antigone goes against the wishes of her uncle, Creon, to do what she believes is morally right and just. Similarly, in the Apology, Socrates defends himself against the accusations of Meletus, who claims that Socrates does not acknowledge the gods of the city and corrupts others by teaching philosophy (Apology, 28). Both Antigone and Socrates believed that â€Å"the good life† was rooted in following the wishes of the gods and doing what was right in accordance with the divine. Additionally, Socrates held the idea that†¦show more content†¦The practice of philosophy by Socrates is seen as unjust and impious, contrary to Socrate’s own personal beliefs. To Socrates, practicing philosophy was the only way that he co uld live his life. In these acts of defiance, Antigone and Socrates disobeyed the rules of the state. Although the burial of a brother and practicing philosophy appear to be different acts, for Antigone and Socrates, they meant the same thing: living â€Å"the good life.† Both acts represented what Antigone and Socrates saw as pious and just. Moreover, Antigone and Socrates relied on the belief that what they were doing was in accordance with the divine and just. After she was convicted of her brother’s burial, in response to Creon, Antigone said, â€Å"Nor did that Justice, dwelling with the gods beneath the earth, ordain such laws for men. Nor did I think your edict had such force that you, a mere mortal, could override the gods, the great unwritten, unshakeable traditions.† (Antigone, 82). In this reaction to Creon’s claim that she was breaking the law, Antigone expressed her belief that the laws of human beings do not compare with those of the divine. It is clear that Antigone thought that what she did was the right thing to do as she was following the traditions and customs of the gods. By burying her brother, Antigone was simply honoring the desires of the divine through an act of justice. If Antigone had not given her brother a proper burial, she would have beenShow MoreRelatedThe Vs. Human Law 1160 Words   |  5 PagesDoes human law demand precedence over divine law or vice versa? Divine laws according to Antigone stem from our deity or faith, these laws are more unspoken and were not â€Å"made now or yesterday. They live for all time† (457). Human laws rely on one’s government, and generally are meant to create order and enforce ethics within a society (as deduced by both Antigone and Crito). I believe Socrates and Antigone represent similar philosophical positions when it comes to how one should react when dealingRead MoreSocrates Sides with Creon or a1379 Words   |  6 PagesSocrates#8217; Sides With? 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Antigone personifies that the will to obey the law is not just for her country but that of her immense amount of love to her family and the Gods.While in contrast , Socrates personifies aRead MoreSophocles Antigone Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pages Sophocles’ play â€Å"Antigone† illustrates the conflict between obeying human and divine law. The play opens after Oedipus’ two sons Eteocles and Polyneices have killed each other in a civil war for the throne of Thebes. Oedipus’ brother in law Creon then assumes the throne. He dictates that Eteocles shall receive a state funeral and honors, while Polyneices shall be left in the streets to rot away. Creon believes that Polyneices’ body shall be condemned to this because of his civil disobedience and