How does Antigone explain her actions to Creon in

Antigone explains her actions to her uncle Creon, the King of Thebes, by citing the moral and religious duty she felt towards her deceased brother, Polyneices. Antigone argues that she had to break the law, which forbade the burial of Polyneices, because she was obligated by divine and moral laws. She asserts that burying her brother was a sacred duty that she could not ignore, even in the face of Creon's decree.

Antigone presents her reasoning in a powerful and impassioned speech, emphasizing that she acted out of a sense of familial love and respect for the gods. She argues that it is more important to obey the unwritten and eternal laws of the gods than it is to follow the temporary, man-made laws of a mortal ruler.

Moreover, Antigone invokes the concept of justice, arguing that Creon's decree to deny Polyneices a proper burial is unjust. She highlights the distinction between human laws and the divine laws of morality and religion, asserting the priority of the latter. Antigone's defiance is driven by her strong sense of familial loyalty, moral principles, and faith in divine retribution.

By explaining her actions, Antigone challenges Creon's absolute authority and raises questions about the limits of power and the moral obligations that individuals have, even when faced with unjust or oppressive laws.