--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ANTIGONE: A sinless sinner, banned awhile…" description: "\"“ANTIGONE: A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth, But by the dead commended; and with them I shall abide for ever. As for thee, Scorn, if thou wilt,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/sophocles-370_nature_antigone-a-sinless-sinner-banned-awhile_1092892.png" --- # ANTIGONE: A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth, But by… ![“ANTIGONE: A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth, But by the dead commended; and with them I shall abide for ever. As for thee, Scorn, if thou wilt, the eternal laws of Heaven. ... CREON: So am I purposed; never by my will Shall miscreants take precedence of true men, But all good patriots…” quote by Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/sophocles-370_nature_antigone-a-sinless-sinner-banned-awhile_1092892.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/sophocles-370_nature_antigone-a-sinless-sinner-banned-awhile_1092892.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19e/sophocles-370_nature_antigone-a-sinless-sinner-banned-awhile_1092892.png) > ““ANTIGONE: A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth, But by the dead commended; and with them I shall abide for ever. As for thee, Scorn, if thou wilt, the eternal laws of Heaven. ... CREON: So am I purposed; never by my will Shall miscreants take precedence of true men, But all good patriots, alive or dead, Shall be by me preferred and honored. ... GUARD: Take it all in all, I deem A man's first duty is to serve himself.”” [Sophocles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophocles/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The characters debate duty to self versus duty to higher moral law, highlighting conflict between personal desire and societal expectations. **In simple terms:** Self‑interest clashes with moral duty. Key Takeaway Consider whose law you truly serve. Themes duty morality conflict authority self‑interest Mood tragic reflective Type philosophical dramatic When to use this quote - political leadership - family loyalty - personal ambition - legal justice Key Concepts Greek tragedy ethical dilemma Questions to Reflect On - Do you prioritize personal gain over collective good? - When does self‑preservation become selfish? A Different Perspective Self‑service can undermine communal harmony. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) ## Related quotes > [All that is beautiful shall abide, All that is base shall die.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-williams-buchanan/all-that-is-beautiful-shall-abide-all-that-is-base-shall-die/) [Robert Williams Buchanan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-williams-buchanan/) > [“Who, LORD, shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? 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