Review of the play Antigone by Sophocles

          The play Antigone, by Sophocles, is a sad story but a thought-provoking one. In this play, the many deaths and sorrows make it very tragic. In the story, Creon makes a very strict law and then enforces it to the fullest extent possible on Antigone when he sentences her to death. This brings up the question should he have shown more leniency and been more flexible. It also brings up the point of morality vs. law. Some would argue that it is more important to keep order through the law than be kind and help others. In the beginning,  Antigone decides that she will bury her brother because she loves him and openly defy the law even though she knows it is wrong and will get her killed. This brings up the question should she have followed the rules just like everyone else and been more loyal to her country. This question is basically loyalty to one's family vs. one's country. Her actions also bring up the question is it ever fair or right to break the law. Ultimately, there is no straight answer to these questions. That is what makes this play interesting. The reader can use his or her own values and moral judgement to decide which character to side with. The play doesn't directly support one or the other philosophies so it doesn't tell the reader or viewer what to think. While the story is a tragic one, it is a very thought-provoking and interesting one.