What does Antigone's defiance symbolize in the context of the play?

Antigone's defiance symbolizes the struggle against oppressive authority, which is a central theme in the play. Throughout the narrative, Antigone stands firmly against King Creon's edict that prohibits the burial of her brother Polyneices. Her actions represent a powerful assertion of individual moral duty in the face of state law, illustrating the conflict between personal convictions and societal demands. By choosing to honor her family's traditions and the gods over the unjust commands of Creon, she embodies the courage to resist and challenge authoritarian rule. This struggle reflects broader themes of civil disobedience and the ethical dilemmas faced when laws conflict with moral beliefs, making her defiance a crucial element of the play’s message about justice and the consequences of standing up for one’s principles.