ANTIGONE Yea, for these laws were not ordained of Zeus…
““ANTIGONE Yea, for these laws were not ordained of Zeus, And she who sits enthroned with gods below, Justice, enacted not these human laws. Nor did I deem that thou, a mortal man, Could’st by a breath annul and override The immutable unwritten laws of Heaven. They were not born today nor yesterday; They die not; and none knoweth whence they sprang. I was not like, who feared no mortal’s frown, To disobey these laws and so provoke The wrath of Heaven. I knew that I must die, E’en hadst thou not proclaimed it; and if death Is thereby hastened, I shall count it gain. For death is gain to him whose life, like mine, Is full of misery. Thus my lot appears Not sad, but blissful; for had I endured To leave my mother’s son unburied there, I should have grieved with reason, but not now. And if in this thou judgest me a fool, Methinks the judge of folly’s not acquit.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Antigone argues that divine law supersedes human law, and she accepts death as a just outcome for upholding higher moral principles.
In simple terms: Higher law beats human law; death can be noble.
Key Takeaway
Uphold moral integrity despite consequences.
Themes
justice
law
morality
divine authority
civil disobedience
Mood
defiant
resolute
tragic
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court trial
- family duty
- political oppression
- personal sacrifice
Key Concepts
natural law
ethical duty
tragic heroism
Questions to Reflect On
- What higher principles guide your decisions?
- When should personal sacrifice be required?
A Different Perspective
Her stance may ignore practical consequences for others.