Antigone’s demonstration of pride and loyalty alludes to ideas set in motion previously by Aristotle. Antigone written by Sophocles, shows the character Antigone as beginning the play with pride and loyalty, and the play is set around how having those attributes can make life challenging. In this play, Antigone is a flawed hero whose characterizations clearly demonstrate her core values.

Antigone proves time and time again, her possession of pride, and usually leads into her overall suffering. In the story, Antigone tried to help her family and friends by burying the body of Polynices in the broad daylight. For a countless number of reasons, burying a body in the daylight is frowned upon and those who chose to take part in the activity typically end up in dicey situations. This attempt to cover the body of Polynices with dirt led to a guard discovering the body. The body was immediately uncovered and the situation was glossed over. Later a guard captures Antigone and she is brought in for questioning after being placed under arrest. Out of pride Antigone refuses to give up information and even refuses offers made by Creon. Antigone further proves her pride by refusing to speak and take orders.

“Do not believe that you alone can be right. The man who thinks that, the man who maintains that only he has the power to reason correctly, the gift to speak, the soul. A man like that, when you know him, turns out empty.” In this quote from the play, pride is examined highlighting how awful a person can be when full of pride. The pride itself may not destroy the person directly, but will show just how little the person has to offer in most cases. Antigone’s pride in her refusal to speak with Creon suggests she has little to offer in the situation.

“Take these things to heart, my son, I warn you. All men make mistakes, it is only human. But once the wrong is done, a man can turn his back on folly, misfortune too, if he tries to make amends, however low he’s fallen, and stops his bullnecked ways. Stubbornness brands you for stupidity-pride is a crime.” Antigone demonstrates pride in various points throughout the play. He pride almost suggests stubbornness to situations she has encountered. Her refusal to cooperate does not suggest pride, at a certain point, but rather, hints towards overall stubbornness.

Antigone has secured her role in life as someone in a difficult situation trying to decide what the best course of action would be whether this action lie with the law, or against it. Obviously breaking the law can have unfortunate consequences. But when laws collide with a person’s beliefs what course of action could possibly justify placing one’s beliefs on the sidelines and standing up for the law.

“Reason is God’s crowning gift to man…” this quote from the play demonstrates the power of will. The ability to reason through a situation and set aside any unjust laws can define a person. Antigone finds herself in a situation where the law clashes with her personal beliefs. “Oh it is terrible when the one who does the judging judges things all wrong.” This suggests that lawmakers may not always have the right ideas in mind. Sometimes, laws don’t necessarily benefit its constituents.

Antigone demonstrates her values and core beliefs repeatedly throughout the play. This play shows her demonstrating pride and deciphering the differences in right and wrong from one’s moral code; regardless of what the law may state.