Question

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. 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.
-\the royal house of thebes,\
edith hamilton

how does the character of ismene contrast with antigones archetype?

ismene represents a coward in comparison to antigones heroine.
ismene shows true leadership compared to antigones cowardice.
ismene shows quiet confidence, which is the opposite of antigones leadership.
ismene displays the physical strength of a warrior that antigone does not have.

Explanation:

Analyze the character archetypes

Using the Character Archetype Function and Greek Tragedy Analysis knowledge points

Antigone embodies the archetype of the tragic heroine or rebel. She is driven by moral duty, divine law, and familial love, willing to defy the state's decree to bury her brother. In contrast, Ismene represents the archetype of the submissive, fearful citizen or foil. She yields to authority, stating, "We are women... We must obey. We have no strength to defy the State."

Evaluate the textual evidence

Using the Antigone Plot Analysis knowledge point

The text highlights Ismene's belief that "nothing could be done except to acquiesce" and her fear of state power. Antigone rejects this compliance, choosing action. Ismene's reluctance and fear position her as a coward or conformist when contrasted directly with Antigone's heroic defiance.

Assess the multiple-choice options

• Option 1: Ismene represents a coward in comparison to Antigone's heroine. This matches the text, where Ismene's fear and submission ("dared not follow her") contrast with Antigone's heroic resolve.
• Option 2: This reverses their roles; Antigone is not the coward.
• Option 3: Ismene does not show confidence, but rather helplessness and fear.
• Option 4: Neither sister is depicted with physical warrior strength in this passage.

Answer:

• (A) Ismene represents a coward in comparison to Antigone's heroine. (Correct answer)
• (B) Ismene shows true leadership compared to Antigone's cowardice.
• (C) Ismene shows quiet confidence, which is the opposite of Antigone's leadership.
• (D) Ismene displays the physical strength of a warrior that Antigone does not have.