Question

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

what is the universal theme in this passage?
outcasts can still succeed.
women are as capable as men.
courage can overcome loneliness.

Explanation:

Analyze the character conflict

Using the Greek Tragedy Analysis and Antigone Plot Analysis knowledge points
The passage depicts a fundamental conflict between Ismene and Antigone. Ismene advocates for submission to the state's authority, citing their vulnerability as women: "We are women... We have no strength to defy the State." In contrast, Antigone rejects this submission, choosing to honor her familial duty to bury her brother despite the overwhelming power of the state and her own isolation.

Identify the universal theme

Using the Theme Analysis and Literary Theme Identification knowledge points
The dialogue highlights the contrast between Ismene's fear of weakness and Antigone's determination to act despite her limitations. When Ismene warns, "You are not strong enough," Antigone responds, "Why, then when my strength fails, I will give up." This exchange emphasizes that true strength or capability is not predetermined by gender or societal expectations, directly challenging Ismene's assertion about women's lack of power. Thus, the passage illustrates that women are as capable of moral agency, courage, and action as men.

Evaluate the given options

Using the Theme Analysis knowledge point

• "Outcasts can still succeed": The passage focuses on the moral choice to act rather than achieving a successful outcome.
• "Women are as capable as men": This directly counters Ismene's belief that they must submit because they are women without strength, highlighting Antigone's capability to act independently.
• "Courage can overcome loneliness": While they are alone, the primary focus of their debate is their capability and duty to act, rather than overcoming loneliness.

Answer:

• Outcasts can still succeed.
• Women are as capable as men. (Correct answer)
• Courage can overcome loneliness.