What is the irony in Antigone’s statement about being punished for being pious?

Antigone’s statement about being punished for her piety showcases deep situational irony, particularly in how her moral and ethical convictions lead to her suffering instead of the expected reward for doing what she believes is right. In the context of the play, she defies King Creon’s edict to ensure that her brother Polynices receives a proper burial, an act she views as an obligation to the gods and familial loyalty.

Instead of being recognized or honored for her dedication to divine laws and familial duty, Antigone faces severe punishment, highlighting the tragic conflict between human laws and divine morality. This irony underscores one of the play’s central themes: the struggle between individual conscience and societal rules, emphasizing the tragic consequences of standing by one’s beliefs in a world that often does not recognize their worth.