What motivates Antigone's decision to bury Polyneices?

Antigone's decision to bury her brother Polyneices is primarily driven by her belief in familial loyalty and divine law. In the play, she is faced with the edict of Creon, who forbids the burial of Polyneices, labeling him a traitor. However, Antigone feels a profound obligation to honor her brother and adhere to the divine laws that dictate the respect owed to the dead.

She values the duty to her family above the laws of the state and believes that the gods' laws take precedence over human laws. This commitment illustrates her strong moral and ethical convictions, as she prioritizes love for her family and the divine expectations regarding burial rights over her own safety and legal penalties. This motivation showcases Antigone's character as someone willing to stand up against authority for what she believes is right, reinforcing the themes of loyalty and resistance present throughout the play.