Question

In scene 2: How do interactions between Antigone and Ismene develop themes about family and loyalty?

Answer 1

Answer:

The interaction between Antigone and her sister Ismene shows what it is like to be loyal to one's family despite the severity of the consequences that come in disobeying the law of the king. They provide and develop the theme of loyalty by sticking to one another, and deciding to stand their ground even to the extent of losing their lives.

Explanation:

Sophocles's play Antigone is about the protagonist Antigone who disobeys the king's order and buried her dead brother. The play revolves around the theme of loyalty and faithfulness to one's family despite the many obstacles that can lead to death.

Scene 2 of the play starts from when Antigone was captured for the crime of burying her brother despite the order against doing so by King Creon. Her sister Ismene had, at first, objected to her decision, stating that it is better to obey the king's order than sacrifice one's life. But in this scene, Antigone and Ismene display a sense of loyalty to their family bond. Ismene also realizes the importance of one's family, even to the extent of dying. She boldly admits "if she will let me say so. I am guilty", siding with her sister's act. But even when Antigone tried to dissuade her from suffering the same fate as her, Ismene declares "But now I know what you meant; and I am here  To join you, to take my share of punishment.  [....] I too have a duty that I must discharge to the dead." She even questions "What do I care for life when you are dead?" "But how could I go on living without her?", which all shows how she really feels about family.

Both these princesses show what it is like to be loyal to one's family no matter what the circumstance may be.