Which Character Values Family Over Law? 

Which character in The Odyssey values family over law? Antigone, Creon, or Haemon? Which character will we choose as the ultimate moral hero? If you’re unsure, try analyzing the entire play for this question. The answers will surprise you. You’ll find out how Antigone reconciles her conflicting values. In Antigone, her loyalty to the state and her family conflict.

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Antigone 

The tragic Greek play Antigone shows that a family’s priorities often come before the rules of law and authority. Antigone, for example, values her brother’s burial above her own life. Despite her deteriorating relationship with Creon, she is still determined to give her brother the proper burial. As a result, she is a strong example of someone who values family over law. In addition, this play demonstrates how important family is in society. 

In Antigone, family is a powerful theme that overshadows law and authority. The play portrays ancient Greek family values and emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships. In this play, the characters are forced to choose between obeying Thebes’ laws and honoring their families. Antigone also teaches us the importance of recognizing the elders in our life. It is no wonder that the play is such a powerful masterpiece. 

Creon 

Antigone values law over family; she does not allow her brother to dishonor her. The son of Creon, Haemon, attempts to persuade his father to spare his sister-in-law. He is convinced of the support of the city, but Haemon later kills himself. Both of these characters have strong wills and strong values, but Creon ultimately chooses the law over his family. 

Despite his pious intentions, Creon’s actions prove to be extremely damaging to his family. Despite his noble intentions, he is unable to see Antigone’s actions, and instead takes matters into his own hands. He does not even know the value of his son. He is too obsessed with power to recognize that his actions cost him his son and his wife. He is also incapable of understanding Antigone’s feelings, and his actions cost him his wife and son. 

Haemon 

The story of Haemon, a young man, shows how the law can sometimes trump family. As the son of Creon, Haemon is loyal to his father. The son tells Creon that “no woman is as important as a father,” and therefore he will obey his father at any cost. Creon is touched by Haemon’s wisdom and praises him for this. Haemon reports that a group of people is saying that Antigone is not deserving of punishment, and Creon vigorously defends his absolute authority. 

Haemon’s father, Creon, is a vengeful man who kills his brother Polyneices in a civil war and exiles him from Thebes. He also declares that Polyneices will not get a proper burial and punishes Antigone with death. Haemon, the son of Creon, attempts to convince his father to spare Antigone, but Creon’s son insults his father and he kills himself instead.