moralant confant Conflicting Values in Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

Conflicting Values in Antigone In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Creon and Antigone have distinct and conflicting values. Creons regard for the laws of the city causes him to empty all separate beliefs. He feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other beliefs, moral or religious, state otherwise. Antigone, on the other hand, holds the beliefs of the gods in high reverence. She feels that the laws of the gods should be obeyed above all others, especially when in respect to family. Creon has a very strong opinion about the laws of the city and the laws passed by him. His method of enforcing them is very strict. Creon orders that Polyneices will not be buried because of his dishonor towards Thebes. Furthermore, if anyone is caught burying him they will be killed for disobeying his order. Polonieces is Antigones brother. He is being punished because he attacked Thebes and betrayed Creon and the sight of Thebes. Creons harsh punishment on those who disobey the law makes many fear him and dare not to go against him. One example is Ismenes regard for Creons laws. She tries to talk her child out of burying her brother because of what could happen to her if Creon found out that she went against him. Ismene says We must obey them.....I yield to those who have authority(5). Not only do the good deal of Thebes obey the laws of the city because of their fear but because it is a shame to dishonor the pouf. To go against the kings claim and dishonor the law is to die a more black-market death then Antigones mother and father(59-60). Antigone does not want to let her brother be left without a proper burial. Her belief is to show respect and bask towards her brother she must bury him. Her beliefs in The sacred laws that Heaven holds in honor are far more important than those set by the king(Antigone 78). She feels that the king cannot override her belief in the gods. Antigone feels very strongly about burying her brother against Creons ord ers. She refused to back down from her opinion even when confronted by the king and sentenced to death. Antigone ratiocination is It was not Zeus who published this decree, Nor have the powers who rule among the dead Imposed such laws as this upon mankind Nor could I think that a decree of yours- A man-could override the laws of Heaven Unwritten and unchanged(450-455).