The fundamental conflict between eternal divine laws and human-made rules is central to the drama. Antigone's conviction that divine commandments supersede state orders leads to her tragic decision and raises timeless questions about the legitimacy of power.

Unconditional loyalty to family obligations drives Antigone's courageous act. Her determination to pay final respects to her dead brother symbolizes the unbreakable bond between siblings and the sanctity of familial duties in Greek culture.

Kreon's fatal overestimation of himself, treating his position as absolute and tolerating no laws besides his own, ultimately leads to his personal downfall. This warning against excessive pride is a classic element of Greek tragedy.