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

what archetype does antigone represent?
what is the universal theme in this passage?
how does the conflict in this passage reveal the theme?

Explanation:

Identify Antigone's archetype

Using the Tragic Hero Archetype knowledge point
Antigone represents the tragic hero archetype. She is a noble figure who stands up for her moral principles against the state's decree, ultimately leading to her own downfall.

Determine the universal theme

Using the Archetypal Theme Analysis and Greek Tragedy Analysis knowledge points
The passage highlights the contrast between Ismene's fear of being "utterly alone" and weak, and Antigone's determination to act despite her isolation. When Ismene says, "We are utterly alone," and warns Antigone that she is "not strong enough," Antigone still resolves to bury her brother. This emphasizes that Courage can overcome loneliness.

Analyze how characters reveal the theme

Using the Greek Tragedy Analysis knowledge point
The theme is revealed through the contrasting actions and attitudes of the two sisters. Ismene's submission to Creon's law highlights Antigone's exceptional courage in choosing to stand alone against the state to honor her brother.

Answer:

Question 1

• the villain
• the tragic hero (Correct answer)
• the sage
• the rebel

Question 2

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

Question 3

• Antigone's decision to act alone contrasts with Ismene's fear of isolation. (Correct answer)