Antigone

Antigone Summary | Prologue Summary

It is dawn on the day after the Argive Army has been driven from the gates of Thebes, a walled city. Antigone and Ismene stand in front of King Creon's palace. They commiserate about their most recent heartaches, the loss of their brothers in battle. Antigone informs Ismene of King Creon's decree that of their brothers, only Eteocles will receive a proper burial with full military rites, but Polyneices will have his body unburied, uncovered and left out to be torn and pecked apart. Anyone daring to cross Creon will be stoned to death. Antigone, however, intends to defy the king and bury her beloved brother. She asks Ismene for her help, trying to coerce her with family ties. Ismene is afraid of breaking the law and fears Creon's wrath. Antigone, on the other hand, claims the king will be powerless to stop her.

An argument ensues between the sisters. If Antigone is going to bring up family loyalty, Ismene will remind her sister of the uniqueness of that family. Both women were borne of the incestuous relationship between their mother and Oedipus. After mother and son-husband realized what they had done, their mother, Iocasta, killed herself and their father, Oedipus, blinded himself. Because of their abominable parentage, a curse is believed to be upon all offspring. In addition to this background, Ismene feels powerless as a woman. She upholds the law, man's law, and she does not believe anyone should oppose it.

With the bitterness of rejection and anger of isolation, Antigone plans to bury her brother on her own. Even when Ismene shares her concerns regarding her sister, Antigone implies that Ismene is selfish for refusing to stand by Antigone's side. Ismene swears secrecy, but Antigone throws Ismene's cowardice in her face, claiming she will be ready to face an honorable death if she is caught. Ismene compliments Antigone's loyalty before leaving.