Antigone values assessed according to philosophical theories of Confucian. Confucius was a famous Chinese philosopher who was respected for developing moral and ethical values. Over the years, the teachings of Confucius have had a greater impact to the people of East Asia . Confucius advocated ensuring the world maintained law and order and that moral value adhered to however, his plans did not succeed. Confucius promoted his ideas by travelling to different regions of china to ensure the people of china were guarded by his ideas and concepts. Confucius objective was to ensure order was maintained around the world. He emphasized people and governments to practice morality, justice and sincerity so that conflicts can be avoided and order maintained . The concepts and thoughts developed by Confucius are still practiced in today’s world, thus the development of the word Confucianism. Through morality, honesty and sincerity peace would prevail. The principles of confucius have been used to assess characters in a play, through the principles characters behavior in a play can easily be recognized and differentiated. The ideas and concepts developed by Confucius will be used to analyze the behavior of Antigone and Creon. In addition, the principles would also be used to determine the decision to be made by Confucius if presented with the two characters.
The teachings of Confucius would be used in assessing Antigone. Contracting features are seen when comparing the principles of Confucius with the behavior of Antigone. In addition, the conflict that exist between Antigone and Creon is contradictory to the laws and principles of Confucius who advocated to maintain peace and order throughout the world. Antigone initially respected the laws set by Creon the leader of their community. However, differences arose when Antigone wanted to bury her brother. This was against the laws and guidelines set by Creon. Therefore, in accordance to the law anyone who commits offense punished by being stoned to death. The rules were contradicting when it comes to Confucius principles. The principles were meant to guide people to live a moral life. If Antigone was allowed to bury her brother according to her wishes, unnecessary conflicts could be avoided, therefore; maintaining peace in accordance to Confucius principles and concepts. In addition, Antigone’s family is seen to be engulfed with curses which were non existence at the time of Confucius whereby people were allowed to live freely without curses or laws that were difficult to follow . Therefore, the lives of people in the Antigone story differed considerably with the objectives of Confucius who wanted people to live peaceful and love, hatred and competition were not allowed. This is because curses and hatred would not promote the peace Confucius wanted to achieve around the world.
Moral values are seen to lack in Antigone, the principles set by Confucius are seen to lack in the story Antigone. Conflicts and sibling wrangles are seen to engulf Antigone, therefore; interfering with peace of the society. A community that is in disagreement is unlikely to maintain peace and order. Confucius advocated to ensure peace and order were maintained so that the world can be a conducive environment for people to live. Confucius believed that a society guided by morals and appropriate moral behavior is likely to achieve peace. However, in the story Antigone the theme of moral behavior is inexistence . Antigone is jealous of the success of her sister and presence of jealousness is likely to jeopardize any missions of peace. This is because hatred would be in existence and conflicts would be on the rise. In the play, the principles of Confucius are not in practice because Antigone is involved in unlawful acts in order to achieve her objectives. Confucius did not want people to be involved in wars and battles that would take the lives of other people. Antigone who murders her nieces for personal gains did not respect his wishes. Violation of human life was against the principles of Confucius. Antigone is presented as a character resisting the laws of a state in France. She uses her skills and capabilities to rise against the power of the state. The story of Antigone lacks morals, proper politics and religion. The story is in notable contrast to the principles and ideas developed by Confucius.
Creon is also assessed in the story of Antigone. Creon was the uncle of Antigone who was the king. He set up laws and guidelines to ensure the society was led in the right direction. Therefore, the objectives of Creon can be compared to the objectives of Confucius. They both advocated, for peace to prevail and wanted their people to maintain peace. Creon faces many challenges as he tries to ensure peace and order are maintained. Similar happenings occur to Confucius who wanted to rule the whole world by ensuring peace and order were maintained. The principles of Confucius are clearly seen through King Creon who wishes for his community to live in happiness and peace . The king sets proper laws and rules that ensure the society is directed in the right direction. In addition, anyone found to violate the laws of the society is deemed to punish accordingly. For instance, the king orders Antigone to be sentenced to death after killing her nieces. The punishment is appropriate to warn other people with similar intentions to stop. Therefore, peace and order is likely to be maintained. The wishes of King Creon are similar to the wishes of Confucius.
If Confucius was requested to solve the Antigone tragedy, Confucius would be in support of the actions of Creon. This is because Creon advocated for peace, to prevail and wanted the society to respect moral and ethical values. Antigone on the other was ambitious jealous and selfish. She destroyed the peace of the society by killing people and behaving against the societal norms. Confucius would have condemned her behavior because she did not promote peace and love within the society. However, Confucius would have recommended a different punishment to Antigone. Sentencing Antigone to death could not be moral enough. Instead he would advocate a proper punishment be rendered to her to ensure similar acts are avoided in society and peace prevails.
Antigone is a story that assesses the behavior of two characters Creon and Antigone. The two characters had differing principles and behavior. According to the philosophy, theory of Confucius Creon was a reliable leader because he advocated ensuring the society was directed in the right direction, and that peace prevailed, the principles of Confucius promoted peace and ethical moral behavior. The behavior of Antigone destroyed the peace of the society and her acts were punishable by law. Therefore, when the two characters are compared, Confucius would prefer Creon in the fight for ensuring peace and harmony existed not only in society, but also around the world.
Bibliography
Nonet, Patrick. Antigoneos Law. Law Culture and the Humanities 2 (3), 314-335. 2006.
Tan, Jang. Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism. New Catholic Encyhclopedia 4 (1), 95-99. 2003.
