Question

In lines 62-72, why does Ismene recount their family’s history to her sister? What purpose might she have for this reminder?

Answer 1

Answer:

1) Iseme recounts the family history to her sister inorder to make her see reasons why she should not follow the same destiny.

2) The purpose of the reminder is to prevent Antigone from going against the wishes of Creon so that she won't bring misfortune to her family.

Explanation:

The book "Antigone" describes the story of two sons Eteocles and Polyneces who were both descendants of Oedipus. The two sons engaged themselves in a battle to determine who will rule over Thebes, both men unfortunately die in battle, Creon who is the successor takes over the throne. He decides that Eteocles will be given a proper burial but Polyneces will not be buried properly because he led a foreign army.

Antigone his sister decides to go against the wishes of Creon and bury her brother properly. Iseme tried to discourage her sister from what she was about to do but her mind was already made up. Creon found out how Antigone disobeyed his orders by going on to bury Polyneces, he then sentences Antigone to death.