The Royal House of Thebes.
Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon
mad 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.
How does Antigone's action as a rebel reveal the
universal theme?
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 action.