Antigone's Brilliance

"We have only a little time to please the living, but all eternity to love the dead. There I shall lie for ever. Live, if you will; Live, and defy the holiest laws of heaven" (Antigone 128). 

          Antigone's eloquence and wisdom characterize her actions and this particular accusation of Ismene's cowardice. Struggling to free her brother from an eternity of wandering, Antigone considers the afterlife more important than the present. This quote explains the conflict between Antigone and Creon; Antigone strives to please the gods, but Creon, his subjects. Profound and a tad morbid, Antigone understands that life is fleeting, and this recognition demands that Antigone act. Antigone is characterized by strength, action, and courage- this quote is our first glance at the power of Antigone. By dwelling on the afterlife, she becomes a heroine in this life. Antigone respects the dominance of the gods and the "holiest laws of heaven"; she considers the world governed by the will of the gods. The theme prevalent in Antigone is the juxtaposition of the laws of the gods and the laws of man. Antigone represents the will of the gods and reflects their ultimate supremacy as Creon succumbs to disaster. The development of Antigone's character resides in Antigone first speech to Ismene; Antigone reveals her love for her brother and strength in overcoming her grief. On the other hand, Antigone's reproach of Ismene reveals her harshness and her quickness to judge. Her tone is filled with criticism for Ismene's refusal to defy Creon's edict and even disgust for her sister. The flaw of Antigone is also present within this quote- instead of speaking with Creon, Antigone immediately chooses to quietly undermine his authority. Her stubborn and somewhat haughty speech add to overall character of Antigone. In spite of this, Antigone's ability to view life with perspective is admirable and praiseworthy. 

I love this quote. Maybe not the last sentence, but the first sentence holds so much biblical wisdom. Antigone's appreciation for the eternality of death should be the same for Christians; the time we spend on earth is immeasurable compared to our life in heaven. As Christians, we serve a greater power than the laws of man- just as Antigone recognized the will of the gods as superior, so must Christians. Often times, I become caught up in the problems of this world, failing to see their insignificance and thus ignore the "holiest laws of heaven." I have to force upon myself perspective, just as Antigone saw the eternal more important than the temporary, I need to see beyond the struggles of my daily life. I so admire Antigone's ability to clearly and courageously follow the will of the gods, and she had so little evidence for them. Antigone saw the eternal life of her brother more important than her own her, a belief that Christians should possess regarding non Christians, and acted upon it. So many times, I find myself crumbling under my indecision, unwilling to reach out, but Christians must evangelize. Because our evangelization is going to impact eternity, the same way Antigone saved her brother from wandering. Antigone serves as a representation of the Christian life; each day we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for others. Remembering that the present hardship is temporary, but our glorious future is forever.