In Sophocles' play Antigone, Creon, the king of Thebes, and his niece Antigone, have distinct conflicting values. Creon's regard for the laws of the city causes him to abandon all other beliefs. He feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other moral or religious beliefs state otherwise. Antigone, however, reveres the beliefs of the gods. She feels that their laws should be obeyed above all others, especially when in respect to family.
             Creon has a very strong opinion about the laws of his city and the laws passed by him. His method of enforcing them is very strict. Creon orders that Polynices, who is Antigone's brother, will not be buried because of his dishonor towards Thebes:
             who returned from exile, home to his father-city
             and the gods of his race, consumed with one desire-
             to burn them roof to roots-who thirsted to drink
             his kinsmen's blood and sell the rest to slavery:
             that man-a proclamation has forbidden the city
             to dignify him with burial, mourn him at all. (223-28)
             Furthermore, if anyone is caught burying Polynices, they will be killed for disobeying his order.
             Creon, being newly crowned, wants to prove his abilities as king. He feels that if someone dishonors the city in which he rules, they must be punished. Creon's harsh punishment on those who disobey the law makes may fear him and dare not to go against him. One example is Ismene's regard for Creon's laws. She tries to talk her sister Antigone out of burying her brother because of what could happen to her if Creon found out that she went against him. Ismene says: "...I must obey the ones who stand in power" (79-80).
             Antigone does not want to let her brother left without a proper burial. The issue of burying Polynices requires a grasp of Greek ideas about death. An unburied body meant that a soul was condemned to torment. It was the greate...