Why Antigone?

It is easy to judge someone by their actions, but much more logical to analyze the motivation behind certain actions. Otherwise it is like treating the symptoms of a disease rather than what's causing the symptoms. Only by discovering the cause of something can you fully understand the effect. However, it is rather difficult to apply this philosophy to Sophocles' "Antigone." The play follows a young woman determined to give her brother a honorable Greek burial, despite the fact that the emperor has forbade the city to do so. Her actions are daring and carry great consequences. So the question is, why does she choose this for herself?

The text may be interpreted to support several theories, but two stand out for me personally. The first is that Antigone is arrogant and jaded by her families history. The second is the contradictory view that she deeply loves her brother and wishes to retain her family's dignity.

The first theory was inspired by the first scene of the play in which Antigone reveals her plan to bury her brother to her sister, Ismene. Antigone is passionate about accomplishing the deed and asks her sister to help her. Ismene responds "You are so headstrong" and proceeds to remind Antigone of the family's twisted past. She fears crossing the emperor Creon. Her sister's reaction suggests that Antigone is overreacting, as it's clear that their family does not have a good name to salvage, and that Antigone is really just trying to spite everyone.

The second theory stems from line 81-84 where Antigone says "Be as you choose to be; but for myself I myself will bury him. It will be good to die, so doing. I shall lie by his side, loving him as he loved me". These lines convey a deep love for her brother and willingness to sacrifice herself for his honor.

While each of these ideas were derived from my first responses and interpretations of the text, I feel as though the second one is more valid, as it comes from Antigone herself. Her direct words are more compelling than her sister's views of her actions. Therefore I feel that Antigone is driven by sincere love for her family rather than more sinister motivations.