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 truths of the metropolis causes him to abandon all(prenominal) other 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 inhumed because of his lash out towards Thebes. Furthermore, if anyone is caught interment him they will be killed for disobeying his order. Polonieces is Antigones comrade. He is being penalise because he attacked Thebes and betrayed Creon and the people of Thebes. Creons harsh punishme nt on those who disobey the law makes many worry him and dare not to go against him. One case is Ismenes regard for Creons laws. She tries to talk her sister out of burying her brother because of what could glide by to her if Creon found out that she went against him. Ismene says We must obey them.....I yield to those who have say-so(5). Not only do the people of Thebes obey the laws of the city because of their fear but because it is a shame to dis love the pouf. To go against the moguls claim and dishonor the law is to die a more shameful death consequently Antigones mother and father(59-60). Antigone does not want to let her brother be go forth without a proper burial. Her belief is to show respect and love 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 bury ing her brother against Creons orders. She refused to back down from her opinion even when confronted by the king and sentenced to death. Antigone reasoning is It was not Zeus who published this decree, Nor have the powers who rule among the exanimate 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).