Here are the key reasons for her opposition:
1. Religious Duty: Antigone believes that she has a sacred duty to bury her brother Polynices, who has been denied burial by Creon's decree. According to ancient Greek religious customs, it was considered extremely important to properly bury the dead, and neglecting this duty was seen as a grave sin against the gods. For Antigone, disobeying Creon's decree is necessary to fulfill her religious obligations.
2. Divine Laws vs. Mortal Authority: Antigone asserts that the unwritten laws of the gods (the divine laws) are superior to the laws decreed by mortal rulers. She argues that Creon's edict conflicts with the moral and ethical principles established by the gods and, therefore, has no right to override her duty to her family and the divine laws.
3. Family Loyalty and Honor: Antigone places great importance on family loyalty and believes that she must honor her dead brother by giving him a proper burial. She cannot bear to see her brother left unburied and dishonored, even if it means going against the authority of the state.
4. Gender and Social Norms: Antigone's opposition to Creon also highlights the tension between traditional gender roles and individual conscience. As a woman in a patriarchal society, Antigone challenges societal expectations by asserting her right to act according to her own moral compass, even if it conflicts with the authority of men.
5. Natural Justice: Antigone argues that Creon's decree violates the basic principles of justice, as it punishes Polynices without a fair trial and denies him the right to a proper burial simply because he opposed Creon's rule. She believes in justice that transcends political power and advocates for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their actions.
In essence, Antigone's opposition to the decree is driven by her strong moral principles, religious beliefs, and devotion to family honor, which she considers more important than the authority of the state or the consequences she may face.