Written Law Vs. Moral Law: Pub 1 In Sophocles' play Antigone, the conflict between written law and moral law is a central theme. Creon, the King of Thebes, represents the Written Law, which is the law of the state, while Antigone represents the Moral Law, which is the law of the conscience. The conflict between the two principles leads to the tragic outcome of the play. Creon's emphasis on written law is evident throughout the play. He believes that obedience to the state's laws is necessary for the survival and stability of the state. He issues an edict forbidding the burial of Antigone's brother, Polynices, who rebelled against the state, and orders that his body be left to rot in the open. (Sophocles 220-226) Creon's strict adherence to the law leads him to punish Antigone severely when she disobeys his edict by burying her brother's body. He believes disobedience to the law must be punished to maintain order and stability in the state. On the other hand, A...