How does Antigone view the laws of the gods compared to those of man?

Antigone's perspective is deeply rooted in her belief that divine laws hold greater significance than the laws created by man. Throughout the play, she expresses a strong conviction that honoring the gods and adhering to their will is paramount, particularly when it comes to the burial of her brother Polyneices. She is willing to defy King Creon’s edict, which prohibits the burial, because she believes that the divine law demands that the dead receive proper rites. This sets up a moral conflict, highlighting her resolve to prioritize what she perceives as the immortal and unbreakable laws of the gods over the finite and potentially unjust laws of human rulers.

This prioritization demonstrates her commitment to a higher ethical standard, one that she believes transcends human authority. She argues that divine laws are timeless and essential, creating a tension with Creon’s rules grounded in societal order. Her unwavering stance not only defines her character but also serves as a central theme of the play, illustrating the clash between individual morality and state laws.