In Sophocles' Antigone, Creon refers to an "alliance of spears" as a metaphor for the necessary loyalty a society has towards its ruler. He initially feels that his authority must be demonstrated as absolute and in an act of hubris attempts to forbid the proper burial of an enemy. In this way Creon goes beyond his limits from the world of nomos to the realm of physis and is confronted with the natural limits of political authority. Creon's “covenant of spears” thus takes on new meaning from an enlightened position. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay To fully understand the problems that exist in Antigone you must first become aware of the circumstances that put Creon in his position of power. Creon took the throne by disputed birthright and has limited experience as a leader. As a result, Creon is an insecure leader, aware of the image he projects. He lets his chorus know: “No man has a mind that can be fully known, in terms of judgment, until he governs and makes laws; only then can it be tested in the eyes of the public. His decision to forbid an honorable burial for Polyneices was hastily made but required enforcement, as any retraction of his decree would show weakness and indecision. As the Watchman suggests, “Second thoughts make any plan look bad.” Creon advocates a harsh and tyrannical policy in an attempt to demonstrate his authority over Thebes. Unfortunately, Creon ventured beyond the scope of human law that he had the right to rule and entered the scope of natural law; an area dictated only by the gods. The spheres of natural law and human law appear to be known and respected in Thebes, but some people continue to dispute them. The initial speech between Antigone and Ismene reveals this ambiguity. In a vain attempt to dissuade Antigone from defying Creon's decree, Ismene states: “We are women and do not quarrel with men. We are subject to them because they are stronger and we must obey this order, even if it hurts us more. This statement indicates that Ismene believes that her patriarchal society is the result of a natural law that cannot be broken; represents the typical citizen who reluctantly accepts the whims of a dictator. Antigone, however, is aware of the "deep shame and dishonor" that her parents left her; feeling she has little to lose, she is willing to defy the law. At first glance it appears that the main conflict in the play is between Creon and Antigone, but Creon's decision to interfere with Polyneices' burial puts him in direct conflict with the unwritten truths. law of nature. So really the main conflict in the play involves Creon and his position on the depth of his political authority. Antigone is simply a voice of justice who is unwilling to give in to Creon's unjust proclamation. Antigone represents the subconscious or repressed opinions of the average citizen of Thebes. This image of Antigone as a repressed individual is only compounded by the fact that she is a woman in a deeply patriarchal society. Although Creon holds the power to ask for anything he wants, he cannot influence anything outside of human control. An example of this can be seen in the field of general social opinions. It is not a requirement for Creon to consider the opinions of his citizens in a dictatorship like Thebes; Creon's “alliance of the spears” maintains its effectiveness as long as all follow the will of one. Despite this obstacle it is obvious that there is a common social opinion. The Guardian offers a.