What message does Sophocles convey through the theme of pride in "Antigone"?

The theme of pride in "Antigone" is intricately connected to the consequences of excessive pride, often referred to as hubris. Sophocles illustrates through the characters' experiences that this form of pride can lead to significant downfall and destruction.

Antigone displays a profound pride in her moral convictions, believing it is her duty to honor her brother by giving him a proper burial, even in defiance of King Creon’s edict. Her steadfastness and commitment to her beliefs lead to her tragic fate. Similarly, Creon's pride in his position as king and his interpretation of law blinds him to the value of human life and familial loyalty. His refusal to heed the warnings from Teiresias and others demonstrates how his arrogance drives him to make catastrophic decisions that ultimately result in personal loss and regret.

Thus, the play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing pride to overshadow reason and empathy, highlighting that while a certain level of pride can motivate action, excessive pride can be destructive and lead to tragic outcomes.