"I would not consider any enemy of my country a friend." In the play Antigone, written by Sophocles, Antigone finds herself torn between divine law and state law. The work opens at the end of the war between Eteocles and Polynices, sons of Oedipus and brothers of Antigone and Ismene. These brothers, fighting for control of Thebes, kill each other, making Creon king of Thebes. Creon, as king, gives an important speech to the citizens of Thebes, announcing that Eteocles, who defended Thebes, will receive a proper burial, unlike his brother Polyneices, who led a foreign army against Thebes. This speech introduces the main conflict between divine law and state law. Furthermore, Creon loves order and loyalty above all else. He cannot bear to be disobeyed or see the laws of the state broken by anyone, especially a woman. However, Antigone places her individual conscience and love for her brother Polyneices above and against the power and authority of the state, which costs her her life. “You should understand that we are only women, not destined by nature to fight against men, and that we are governed, by those who are stronger, to obedience in these matters and even in the most painful ones.” In the opening of the play, Antigone and Ismene meet at night. Antigone laments Creon's decree that anyone who attempts to bury Polyneices or mourn him must be stoned. Although Ismene declares that the sisters have no power in the situation, Antigone insists that she will bury Polyneices and asks for Ismene's help. Ismene states that although she loves Polyneices, she must respect the king's decree. Ismene, unlike Antigone, fears death. He believes there is nothing he can do. He reminds Antigone that they are in... half of paper......assistance, and decides to give their brother a proper burial. Ismene feared helping Antigone bury Polyneices but offers to die alongside Antigone when Creon sends her to her death. Antigone, however, refuses to allow her sister to be killed for something she didn't have the courage to defend. The position of women is an important theme in this play. Gender impacts Antigone and her actions. Antigone does not overtly point out her gender, but Creon does, refusing to withdraw Antigone's punishment because she, a woman, has broken his law. Antigone can be seen as fed up with restrictions and obsessed with death and martyrdom. She is evidently motivated by love for her brother and a strong belief that divine law has been violated. However, becoming a martyr makes the consequences of her actions an added benefit, rather than a hindrance.