IndexIntroductionBody ParagraphConclusionIntroductionSophocles' Antigone is a seminal work that explores the tension between the edicts of the state and the moral imperatives of the individual. At the center of this conflict lies Creon, the new king of Thebes, whose rigid adherence to its laws sets the stage for tragedy. Creon's laws, designed to maintain order and authority, clash with the divine and familial obligations represented by Antigone. Through a critical examination of Creon's laws, this essay will explore the broader implications of state power, the limits of legal authority, and the consequences of failing to uphold moral and religious duties. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body Paragraph Creon's laws in Antigone are a manifestation of his belief in the supremacy of state power. After ascending the throne, Creon issues an edict forbidding the burial of Polyneices, whom he considers a traitor for having attacked Thebes. This law is intended to serve as a deterrent against rebellion and to reinforce the idea that loyalty to the state supersedes all other loyalties. Creon's statement: "No one will bury him, no one will mourn for him, but his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for birds to find for food" (Sophocles, 199), underlines his intent to use the law as a means of asserting one's authority and maintaining political stability. However, Creon's laws are not simply political instruments; they also reflect his personal philosophy and understanding of justice. Creon perceives himself as the embodiment of the State and its laws as extensions of his will. He argues that “an enemy is an enemy, even a dead one” (Sophocles, 206), revealing his belief in an uncompromising form of justice that prioritizes the interests of the state over individual rights and family ties. This perspective is emblematic of a larger theme of Greek tragedy: the conflict between the public and private spheres and the tragic consequences that arise when one is elevated at the expense of the other. Antigone's defiance of Creon's laws introduces a counterpoint to his authoritarian position. . His determination to bury his brother Polyneices, in accordance with divine law and familial duty, calls into question the legitimacy of Creon's edict. Antigone's actions highlight the moral and religious dimensions that Creon's laws neglect. He argues that "it was not the proclamation of God. That final justice which governs the lower world makes no such laws" (Sophocles, 210), underlining the belief that there are higher laws to which human laws should be subordinated. This clash between Antigone's divine mandate and Creon's secular authority raises fundamental questions about the nature of justice and the limits of state power. The play's tragic outcome serves as a poignant commentary on the dangers of rigid legalism and the failure to recognize the complexity of human obligations. Creon's unswerving adherence to his laws leads to the deaths of Antigone, his son Haemon, and his wife Eurydice, culminating in his profound suffering and isolation. The chorus, serving as the voice of common wisdom, laments that "there is no happiness where there is no wisdom; there is no wisdom except in submission to the gods" (Sophocles, 242). This reflection encapsulates the play's critique of Creon's arrogance and the tragic consequences of his refusal to moderate his laws with compassion and humility. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Conclusion In conclusion, The laws.