Written Law Vs. Unwritten Law in Antigone
Uploaded by basmith on Jun 16, 2002
In the play Antigone there is quite a difference in opinion to whether Antigone’s actions to go against “Human” Law or in other words “Governed” Law was justifiable. Is there a line we can cross when it comes to set laws? Antigone sure thought so. Or was Antigone fighting for her rights as a women to do as she pleased, or was she doing what was best for her brother, "I intend to give my brother burial. I'll be glad to die in the attempt, -if it's a crime, then it's a crime that God commands" (Sophocles 4). Many believe that she was doing a little of all, not only was Antigone in a way acting out of a feminist position but was acting as a freedom fighter for her people. In the play Antigone justifies her actions, and faces the consequences put before her. By standing for her beliefs, she portrays to the reader that she is a strong women who is acting out of courage for herself and her people. As displayed in “Antigone” she "Takes into consideration death and the reality that may be beyond death" (Hathorn 59), and feels there is a common duty owed to her brother and her people.
The concept of unwritten laws can be best described as laws set by God. The laws set forth by God involve morals and beliefs that are presented by God. The idea of unwritten or divine law is described as being the “unwritten laws of the Gods” (Sophocles 64). Unwritten laws or divine laws are indefinitely in effect when morals, or decisions of what is right and what is wrong is apparent, it is mainly in effect when moral decisions must be made. The concept of unwritten laws are not only used in the process of making decisions but is used in everyday actions of people. Most base what is morally “right” on the law of God, on the other hand what is morally “wrong” is thought to be against what God’s laws state. The concept of unwritten law or moral law does not apply to everyone, because in reality not everyone believes in God. Many tend to be skeptical of moral laws or unwritten laws because there is always that question as to if they are actually upheld.
Written law is the type of law that is set up to govern the land and the community, for...