In Sophicles Antigone Creons regard for the laws of the city causes him to abandon all other beliefs. He feels that everyone should obey the laws set forth by him even if other beliefs or morals state otherwise. Creon orders that Polynices, Antigones brother, 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. This is the start of Creons downfall. Creons harsh punishments on those who choose to disobey the law make many fear him. One example of this fear is Ismenes regard for his laws. Ismene, Antigones sister, tries to talk Antigone out of burying her brother because of what might happen if Creon finds out. Antigone ignores her sisters advice and buries him anyway. Creon became angry that a woman questioned his authority and sentenced her to death even though she was the daughter of Jocasta, his sister. The bold, tradition-breaking character of Antigone clashed with the overpowering, male dominant personality of Creon. Throughout the play Antigone retains the traditional role of women, while at the same time challenges this depiction. The challenge occurs as both a defiance of Creons law as well as a direct verbal assault on Creon himself. Creon uses Antigone as an example. Antigone is the first person to deliberately disobey Creons orders not to bury her late brother, who has been declared a traitor of the city. Creon believes that if he does not follow through on his word, the people of Thebes will not respect his authority as king. He refuses to compromise or humble himself before others, especially women. Creon abuses his power to force others to accept his point of view. Antigones gender made the situation even more difficult than it already was, which is unfair because she had no choice or say about her sex. Creon showed no remorse in his decision even though they are related. He did show that he had littl...
