1. Love and Devotion to Family: Antigone deeply loves and respects her family, particularly her brother Polynices. Her primary motivation is to give Polynices a proper burial, despite the edict of King Creon forbidding it. She believes that this act of devotion is important for the honor and salvation of her brother's soul and that it is her moral obligation to defy Creon's order.
2. Sense of Justice and Fairness: Antigone has a strong sense of justice and believes that the laws of the gods and the moral code should be upheld, even if it means going against the commands of the state. She sees Creon's edict as unjust and unfair because it deprives her brother of a proper burial, which she considers a fundamental human right.
3. Pride and Defiance: Antigone's pride and sense of self-respect also contribute to her motivations. She is unwilling to submit to Creon's authority or compromise her principles. She believes that standing up for what she believes is right is more important than personal safety or the consequences of her actions.
4. Respect for the Divine Law: Antigone places great importance on the unwritten laws and customs of the gods. She believes that her duty to the divine law is higher than her duty to the state or to Creon. By burying her brother, she is fulfilling her religious duty and respecting the gods' decree, even if it means defying the human ruler.
5. Moral Dilemma and Conflict: Antigone's motivations and actions also highlight the conflict between personal ethics and the demands of the social order. She is torn between her duty to her family, her beliefs in justice and divine law, and the authority of the state represented by Creon. This moral dilemma underscores the complexities of decision-making when individuals face competing values and obligations.