Final answer:
Kreon's decree, as stated in the Greek tragedy 'Antigone', forbids the burial of Polynices and demonstrates Kreon's assertion of state authority over religious customs, setting up a conflict between civil law and traditional values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to Kreon's decree from the classical Greek play 'Antigone' by Sophocles. Kreon's decree forbids the burial of Polynices, branding him a traitor. This edict is a pivotal moment in the play as it sets the stage for the central conflict between Kreon and Antigone, who is determined to bury her brother according to the religious customs of the time despite the prohibition. The decree reflects the extent of Kreon's power but also his vulnerability to the consequences of his rigid authoritarian governance. It can be deduced that Kreon's ruling not only affirms his sovereignty but also sets up a dire confrontation with traditional values and the gods' laws, as it denies the divine right for proper funeral rites. Thus, this decree demonstrates Kreon's attempt to enforce state law over religious duties and individual conscience, ultimately questioning the power dynamics within the society of Thebes.