Antigone was the only one among all the Thebans who refused to submit to Creon’s law. Creon has asserted that she must die, and now he cannot break his “word before the state.” Creon cannot tolerate rebels within his own state. He believes that the law of the state must be respected and obeyed at all costs. His speech now turns into a lecture on the politics of the state. Creon argues that it is law-breakers, like Antigone, who destroy law and order, thereby bringing about the downfall of cities. Such “traitors” cause wars which consequently bring death and destruction. Creon asserts that he must “defend the law” at all costs and not submit to a woman’s will. He declares that he would rather be struck down by a man. The Chorus praises Creon for speaking wisely