English Literature Antigone Characters Ismene

English Literature Antigone Char flirters IsmeneAntigone Characters IsmeneAntigoneAntigone by Sophocles is theatrical work that ruminates upon Hellenic mythology and culture. Antigone has several themes and cirejaculatestantial settings that can be indirectly referred or related to to in modern society. Sophocles uses various and strategic all(prenominal)y placed characters to present his converge as well as his themes. The play mainly revolves around Antigone who acts alongside her elder sister, Ismene. two are daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta. From the start, the interview is given a demoralize-headed idea of both Antigones and Ismenes characters. Both sisters have erected the solicitude of having wooly their brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices. It is at the first of the play that we see Antigones braveness. She notifies Ismene of her intentions to fall off Polyneices despite the fact that such an act is punishable by death, for Creon considers Polyneices to be a traitor and that by not having his body buried, Polyneices suffers a late punishment. She makes this declaration while being fully aware of the penalties involved and this brings to light several other things ab show up her character. The audience is able to see that she is sure-footed in her actions and will justify anything that she does. Meanwhile Ismene can be viewed as being afraid and uneager to agree to an action. She confronts her sisters commands by saying, But think of the danger Think what Creon will do (34, Prologue).This statement by Ismene create a vague feeling in the audience that Ismene is a pessimist. This view is further reinforced when she says, And do what he has interdict We are women / We cannot fight with men, Antigone (46-47, Prologue). therefore Ismene is seen seeking a way out by giving excuses that are in a sense conjugated to negative stereotypes and this makes a reflection of her pessimistic nature. Antigones actions at the beginning of the play r eflect her impulsivness and rash manner in handling situations. alternatively than try to confront Creon regarding the burial of her brother she goes ahead to bury him. Her brainish manner is in like manner seen when she doubts Ismenes promise that she will not crack any information to anybody else regarding Antigones plans to bury her brother. She does this despite the reasonable precondition that Ismene is her only sister and family member left. Her actions at this point also reflect on her indifference in carrying out actions that reflect on others. She does not seem to care about the fact that burying her brother whitethorn have unfavorable consequences on Ismene who would lose her sister and at the equal time be in a dilemma. Ismene would have to risk impressive the authorities and get her sister prosecuted so as to be a true patriot and to save her own life or stay fresh mum and be prosecuted for aiding and abetting an offense alongside her sister whom she will ultimate ly loose, regardless of what she decides to do . This scenario presents a strong argument that Ismene is considerate and lucid as she eventually decides to keep Antigones plans secret and continues to do so even when Antigone attacks her. She responds by saying, But a loyal friend indeed to those who love. (85, Prologue).This demonstrates Ismenes passive and unvengeful nature. Antigone bears responsibility well and can therefore be seen to be responsible. When brought before Creon, she admits her actions in burying Polyneices without much ado, she audaciously confesses, I do. I deny nothing (52, ODE I, Scene II). She goes ahead and justifies her action, and calmly makes it get through that she is not afraid of the punishment due to be imposed on her.. In contrast Ismene bears a sense of responsibility just identical her sister. When brought before Creon, she admits her role in Antigones crime without hesitation, she says, Yes, if she will permit me say so. I am guilty. Thi s and the ensuing exchange that follows amongst the sisters also brings to light other aspects of the sisters personalities. One of the aspects that is brought out by this exchange is that of loyalty. Both Ismene and Antigone are loyal to each other even in a situation where it is at the expense of death. Ismene is ready to die alongside her sister. At the same time Antigone cares too deeply for Ismene and does not want Ismene to suffer the punishment of death. The idea that loyalty exists between the two sisters is reinforced by the fact that Ismene, while in the face of death, defends her sister. When Antigone is declared as having lost her mind by Creon, she says, Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver, King. (153, ODE I, Scene II). Other events that had occurred earlier in the play portray this feeling of loyalty and the sisterly love that exists between Ismene and Antigone. Both sisters place family duty above everything else. Ismenes earlier discretion at the beginning of the play can now be taken as an act of sisterly love and concern. Eurydice who is Creons wife cum queen and Antigone are emotionally impulsive. Antigone commits suicide when she is sentenced to death and confined to a vault of stone. Eurydice in turn commits suicide when she hears about the death of her son, Haemon. Hence both characters can be seen as compulsive and quick to act rather than face the harsh reality of suffering. All in all it can be said that Sophocles primarily uses the various characteristics presented by Antigone, Ismene and Eurydice to violate his play. Although of these characters are the same gender their characteristics differ greatly and this lies in with the inherent themes of the play.