Antigone by Sophocles is a text rich in layers of meaning. In this essay, I intend to uncover some of these layers in order to assert the extent to which Antigone is responsible for her tragic end. I will argue that the protagonist is responsible for his own actions – actions which, by his own choice, result in his death. The catalyst for this death, however, is the result of other characters and events. I will particularly focus on Creon's edict and its role in the tragedy, as it is the juxtaposition of their beliefs that results in both of their tragic endings. Throughout this essay, I will analyze scholarly work on the subject, as well as the events contained in the text itself, in order to weigh Antigone's ultimate responsibility. First, I will examine the character of Creon, such as his refusal of Polynices' funeral rites. This is what acts as a catalyst for Antigone's actions. The story begins with a conversation between Antigone and her blood sister Ismene discussing the tragic deaths of their two brothers. Antigone tells her sister the fate of the two brothers, that the body of one must be respected, while the other must "not lament, but be left buried and without tears" (Sophocles. Antigone.20-30 ). This first event is what ignites Antigone's determination to find her brother and honor him with the appropriate rites of the dead. However, some scholars argue that Creon had every right, as ruler of Thebes, to deny certain people a proper burial. Kerri Hame and Vincent Rosivach in their analyzes of Antigone both support this idea. Hame (2008, 7-8) notes the legitimacy of Creon's claim not to have Polyneices buried – if he were not on Theban soil. Rosivach (1983, 193) highlights the refusal to bury the traitors and thieves of the temple, referrer...... middle of paper ...... we have learned to see what is right – but far too late” (Sophocles. Antigone. 1260 -1280). This therefore shows that fate is yet another factor that affects the representation of blame as being solely Antigone's fault. Ultimately, I find Antigone to be a play that can be interpreted in many different ways. Through the examination of characters, events, and scholarly arguments, I have attempted to show that the catalyst for Antigone's tragic end comes from Creon's edict, an edict that as ruler he right to promulgate – but which Sophocles ultimately forces Creon to do so. recognized as false. However, while the actions and events leading up to this event cause Antigone to ignore the law in order to perform funeral rites for her brother, her treatment of Creon and her acceptance of his fate must show that she herself bears a decent share of the responsibility. for his own death.