Conscience and Authority in Sophocles's Antigone - Essay Example

Based on the common definition, conscience is that part of the human brain that allows one to decide whether something is right or wrong. Authority, on the other hand, can be defined as the right to control, rule, or command. Often at times, many people are granted authority but very few understand how they are supposed to exercise it. True authority comes from doing what is right no matter what. However, several leaders substitute authority for doing whatever pleases them. Such leaders are the ones who do not appear to have a conscience when making decisions. Sophocles play, it is possible to discuss conscience and authority together because most of the times, the former appears to determine the latter. This paper explores conscience and authority using proof from Sophocles Antigone and Creon.

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In the play, Creon has the Kings power but he does not have the skills to exercise his authority. Therefore, he abuses his power and in the process, ends up creating despair for his family and others. For example, in one scene, he orders his family not to bury his nephew because he was a traitor. This action may appear to be a means of exerting authority over the rest of his subjects but morally, ones sins do not warrant that his or her body remained unburied. Hence, this action is not right. Antigone, the Kings niece, goes ahead and buries her brothers body, therefore, disobeying the Kings order. By doing this, Antigone exercises true authority despite the fact that she has no control over her actions. However, Creons decisions are not serving his people in the best way because with every action, he elicits a reaction.

True authority comes from believing in ones convictions and making the right decision with a firm foundation and without any regrets. This can be seen in the manner in which Antigone reacts when she chooses to bury her brother. Given that Creon is the new King of Thebes, he has the right to decree as he pleases because his authority is above the law. He also has authoritative power over Antigone. In ancient Greece, even royal women could not go against the commands of their King. Ismene reminds Antigone of this by saying we must remember, first, that we were born women, as who should not strive with men; next, that we are ruled of the stronger, so that we must obey in these things (Fisher, Roger, and Sophocles, 2014). However, Antigone goes on to defy her King. Antigones action indicates true authority but it also threatens Creons power. Hence, he sentences Antigone to death since he believes he must reinforce his authority and respect.

To decide who acts with a conscience, one needs only to look at the motives of Creon and Antigone. First, Creons actions are based on the belief that his verdict is the law and that he should be treated with respect. Creons unwavering verdict is illustrated when Haemon tries to save Antigone from death by reasoning with his father. However, the King stands his ground. This illustrates how Creons questionable motives influence his decisions and thus the lack of conscience in his decisions. Second, Creon believes he has superiority over Antigone and any other female subject. In the play, Creon says, While I live, no woman shall rule me (Fisher, Roger, and Sophocles, 2014). He further emphasizes his position by saying, Better to fall from power, if we must, by a mans hand; then we should not be called weaker than a woman (Fisher, Roger, and Sophocles, 2014). Hence, no matter how unreasonable his decision may be, he does not wish to tolerate Antigones actions going unpunished. In doing so, the King follows his pride instead of his conscience.

Antigones motives, on the other hand, are guided by her conscience. She believes that her actions are right in the eyes of the Lord. Hence, no man should compel her to act differently no matter his stature. She knows the King bases his decisions on his stubbornness instead of authentic convictions. This is why during her interrogation by the judge, who is also the King, she admits to defying him without hesitation. She continues to say that the gods did not write the decree in question thus she has no regrets. Antigones true authority and conscience is strongly expressed when she tells Creon And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly (Fisher, Roger, and Sophocles, 2014) By doing so, she criticizes Creon of being a negligent King since he chooses pride over justice.

Authority is guided by conscience. Hence, the true authority should be distinguished from common authority. As King of Thebes, Creon should have considered the opinions and standards of his people. However, he failed to do so because he believed he was the one with authority and not his people. A leader has no authority without the consent of his or her subjects. Haemon understands this and he goes on to tell his father There is no city which belongs to one man (Fisher, Roger, and Sophocles, 2014). However, his own sons realization did not change Creons mind. However, the authority granted by his position does not compare to Antigones true authority, which is based on honest convictions.

Work Cited

Fisher, Roger S, and Sophocles. Antigone V. Creon: Sophocles's Antigone As a Courtroom Drama. , 2014. Print.