Ismene_and_Antigone

Antigone and Ismene Since the beginning of time, women have tried to make a stand for themselves in society. In the mid 1900's, many feminist movements were formed for equal rights. These movements accomplished a lot for them; however, there are still numerous women that depend on society and their husband. This general attitude can also be found in ancient Greece. Furthermore, there have been many plays written on this subject matter. In fact, the most famous play was Antigone, written by Sophocles, one of the greatest playwrights of ancient Greece. Above all in the play, Sophocles emphasizes on Antigone and her sister Ismene's feelings and reactions towards different situation. As a result, Sophocles demonstrated effectively the different attitudes in women in our society. Throughout the entire play, the sisters act and think differently when they encounter various obstacles. Antigone and Ismene each have different views on their father, Oedipus. Their attitudes towards him can be traced very early in the play Oedipus at Colonus. Oedipus raised Antigone after he blinded himself after the horrible ordeal seen in the first play, Oedipus the King. She helped him travel around Greece since he couldn't see at all. "So where have we come to now, Antigone, my child, this blind man and you-what people and what town'"(87, Oedipus at Colonus) As the reader realized, Oedipus relied entirely on Antigone his child to lead him through his journey, and evidently, through his life. She accomplished everything for her father, from feeding him to helping him dress. She was very loyal and caring towards her family, especially Oedipus. As a result, she became independent very early on in her life; it seems in the play that it was too early for a woman. On the other hand, Creon, Oedipus' brother-in- law, raised Ismene in Thebes. Even though she was very distant from her father, Ismene kept in touch by sending him news of Thebes. Likewise to Oedipus her father, Ismene relied often upon Creon's judgements and actions. He was a powerful figure for her. When the sisters first heard the news of the Creon's decision, their reactions were very different from each other. After the battle for the throne of Thebes, Antigone learns that Creon has refused to give a proper burial for the slain Polyneices, her brother. Infuriated by this injustice, Antigone shares the tragic news with Ismene. From her first response, "Our dearest, Antigone' I've heard no news either good or bad"(191, Antigone). Ismene reveals her passivity and helplessness in the fight upon Creon's decision. Thus, from the start, Ismene is characterized as traditionally feminine, a helpless woman that pays no mind to political affairs. Doubting the wisdom of her sister's decision into breaking the law and burying Polyneices, Ismene tries to argue with her: "Think how much worse our end will be than all the rest If we defy our sovereign's edict and power. Remind ourselves that we are women And as such are not made to fight with men."(193, Antigone) Once again Ismene's words clearly state her weak, feminine character and helplessness within her own dimensions. Antigone, unhappy with her Ismene's response criticizes her sister for her passivity and not participating in her crime. For Antigone, there could never be any laws that could stand in the way of her strong consideration of her brother's spirit and loyalty, not even the punishment of an early death. Ismene is more practical; knowing the task is impossible, she feels the situation is completely hopeless and out of reach. She doesn't want to confront the authorities at all, especially Creon, she wants to avoid any trouble whatsoever. In this situation, the reader can easily see the differences between Ismene and Antigone's characters. The sisters have different mentalities that the reader can perceive throughout the play. Antigone goes by the laws of the gods. She believed that burying Polyneices was right, according to the gods. What she did was a loyal gesture towards her brother. She could have left her brother rot on the battlegrounds, but she could never do that to her own flesh and blood. Antigone seemed to have thought through her actions, she didn't regret or doubt anything she did afterwards. Her personality is direct result of all her years with her blind father, Oedipus. Antigone gained a better judgment now because of all the mistakes her father made. Ismene is a woman that followed the rules of society, and played the role that was expected of a woman. She shouldn't be blamed by anyone for not helping Antigone help bury Polyneices. She didn't want to go against Creon, because she didn't want to go against the laws of a king and a man; she knew she would be killed for burying Polyneices. When Antigone accomplished the deed, Ismene was confused and unsure. She did not know if she was right or if Antigone was. All in all, they were very different from each other in every way possible, the reader can sympathize with both of them. Oedipus should be proud of both of them even though they represented two different mentalities. Antigone, had the better judgment, and Ismene with all the good intentions. They were both two extraordinary women that went through a lot together despite their differences.