Antigone Key Quotes and Analysis

Antigone's Commitment to Divine Law: "Loving, I shall lie with him, yes, with my loved one, when I have dared the crime of piety..." - Emphasizes her devotion to divine law over human dictates, prioritizing familial loyalty and honor in the afterlife.
Creon's Assertion of Power: "Now it comes that I hold all the power and the royal throne..." - Creon's emphasis on his control highlights his aggressive disposition and the central conflict of power and authority in the narrative.
Creon on Leadership: "You cannot learn of any man the soul, the mind, and the intent until he shows his practice of the government and law." - Reflects Creon’s connection of personal integrity to the law, signaling his insecurities and the wrongful conflation of state law with moral principles.
Antigone's Valor: "I shall suffer nothing so great as to stop me dying with honor." - Underlines the theme of honor in death, as Antigone prioritizes piety and respect for the gods over fear of consequence.
Ismene’s Caution: "We must remember that we two are women, so not to fight with men." - Highlights societal norms of gender roles and Ismene's acceptance of her position, contrasting with Antigone's rebellious spirit.
Antigone's Defiance of Creon: "Such orders they say the worthy Creon gives..." - Antigone's disdain for Creon’s unlawful decree foreshadows her actions and symbolizes familial love overriding governmental authority.
Antigone's Loyalty to Family: "My brother, and yours, though you may wish he were not. I never shall be found to be his traitor." - Demonstrates the familial bond and digs into the central conflict of loyalty to family versus loyalty to the state.
Creon on State Honor: "The man who is well-minded to the state from me in death and life shall have his honor." – Portrays Creon's prioritization of state over personal relationships, raising questions about the nature of honor and righteousness.
Creon’s Reaction to Antigone's Actions: "What are you saying? What man has dared to do it?" – Illustrates Creon’s ego and belief in maintaining patriarchal authority within a male-dominated society.
Doubt Cast on Creon: "Lord, while he spoke, my mind kept on debating./ Isn't this action possibly a god's?" - The Chorus Leader considers divine intervention and suggests that Antigone's actions may align with the will of the gods, raising the theme of divine versus human law.
Guard on News Delivery: "The doer hurts your mind. I hurt your ears." - Indicates the tension in the relationship between Creon and his subordinates while demonstrating Creon's volatile nature.
Antigone on Divine Law: "Nor did I think your orders were so strong that you, a mortal man, could overrun the gods' unwritten and unfailing laws." - Antigone boldly asserts her belief in divine law, showcasing her fearless conviction against Creon’s authority.
Creon on Antigone's Rebellion: "This girl was expert in her insolence when she broke bounds beyond established law." - Creon's view of Antigone's actions portrays his perception of her defiance as a threat to his authority.
Creon on Women's Role: "Then go down there, if you must love, and love the dead. No woman rules me where I live." - Creon's sexist viewpoint underscores the play’s critique of gender roles and reinforces his stubbornness against female defiance.
Creon’s Dismissal of Personal Connections: "Oh, there are other furrows for his plough." - Highlights Creon’s reduction of women to mere functions in society, reflecting his patriarchal mindset.
Creon on the Dangers of Disobedience: "There is no greater wrong than disobedience." - Illustrates Creon's rigid belief in the supremacy of law and authority, revealing his internal insecurities.
Haemon's Plea for Open-mindedness: "So, do not have one mind, and one alone that only your opinion can be right." - Encourages Creon to embrace diverse perspectives, hinting at the potential for tragedy caused by his refusal to adapt.
Creon’s Acknowledgement of Fallibility: "Think of these things my son. All men may err..." - A moment of reflection on wisdom and the importance of listening to others, highlighting Creon’s eventual realization of his flaws.
Creon's Regret: "O crimes of my wicked heart, harshness bringing death..." - Acknowledges the tragic consequences of his pride and inflexibility, leading to a poignant moment of self-awareness as the toll of his actions becomes apparent.
Chorus on Wisdom and Consequences: "Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way." - Reflects on the collective wisdom, signifying the result of pride leading to ruin and highlighting the tragic lessons learned through suffering.