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.
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.