01:35:46
How does Antigone's action as a rebel reveal the universal
theme?
Read the excerpt from "The Royal House of Thebes."
Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon had
decided. To Ismene, shocking as it was, overwhelming her
with anguish for the pitiful dead body and the lonely,
homeless soul, it seemed, nevertheless, that nothing could
be done except to acquiesce [to accept without protest).
She and Antigone were utterly alone. All Thebes was
exulting that the man who had brought war upon them
should be thus terribly punished. "We are women," she told
her sister. "We must obey. We have no strength to defy the
State." "Choose your own part," Antigone said. "I go to bury
the brother I love." "You are not strong enough," Ismene
cried, "Why, then when my strength fails," Antigone
answered, "I will give up." She left her sister, Ismene dared
not follow her.
It shows that she is tired of being alone, revealing that
loneliness is difficult for people to handle.
It shows that she can break the rules for her principles,
revealing that women are as capable as men.
It shows that she does not side with her sister, revealing
that families should stick together.
It shows that she pities Ismene, revealing that
understanding leads to right on.