The contrast and conflict presented in the first scene through the argument of Antigone and Ismene shows us much about their characters. Each sister depicts a different perspective on the subject at hand: the burial of their brother, which has been outlawed under penalty of death. Though each conclusion can be rendered reasonable, this conversation also depicts their flaws, and even perhaps the reasons for the development of these flaws.
Antigone is a very strong woman. She sees in black and white, has her convictions, and acts upon them. Ismene, on the other hand, is more complacent than her sister. It is not, perhaps, that she doesn't distinguish right from wrong, but rather that she is unwilling to act upon those convictions. Her most prominent character flaw is that she has no backbone. She is simply accepting of the conditions presented to her. It could be argued that Antigone's character flaw is her sense of superiority. She places herself above the law; however, this not really born out of self, but more so of necessity. It is her nature to do what is right, and is thus made to make an impossible decision: should she follow the law of Creon or the law of the gods. She chooses to obey the gods and I completely agree with her. She realizes that the human law is not always going to be good and right. None of this is to impugn Ismene. She acted as many of us would -- to preserve her life. I think that it is simply fascinating that in one simple conversation between sisters, Sophocles can examine the issue of right versus wrong, of right versus easy, of survival versus sacrifice; and, that he was able to examine so completely both perspectives.
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6 comments:
Hey Nicole! You brought up some very interesting points, and I was thinking about the contrasting dispositions of two sisters. It seems like an appropriate topic for you to write about! We discussed this in my section as well, and I think it is important to keep in mind that the fact that Ismene does not agree with Antigone does not make her a bad person. She simply follows a different set of laws--the law of the king rather than that of her inner moral compass. So great job for pointing all that out, and I absolutely agree that Sophocles is impressive in his ability to cover many timeless themes in a very short space.
PS does the fact that you side with Ismene mean that Natalie is more like Antigone? Hmmm....
Nicole--I've got to start getting to blogs before Jack does, since he says a lot of what I was going to say (about this being a natural topic for you and wondering if the character traits you mention are played out in any form in your own life).
Also, I want everyone to look at the new photo you've posted on your blog. It's 100% adorable.
You make a very interesting point. Just because Ismene values her life over restoring the honor of her dead brother does not mean she is a bad person, or even that she is wrong. In fact, I would say that by our modern value system, she is right. Antigone is certainly admirable in her bold defiance, but she has her own flaws to deal with. I'm glad you gave Ismene a much-deserved defense. Great job!
Great job Nicole! You summed up the relationship between Antigone and Ismene really well, and I'm really glad you brought up the idea that just because Ismene chose the more natural, self-preserving path does not mean that she is a horrible person, as Antigone so sharply and unhesitatingly declares.
Very interesting blog, Nicole! I think that since the play is named "Antigone," we naturally focus mostly on Antigone, sometimes only. However, you reminded us that there are always more than two sides to every argument, and that Ismene's stance is just as valid and reasonable as Antigone's. While I too would side with Antigone, I cannot help but feel compassion for Ismene when Antigone says harsh, cruel words to her sister. Regardless of Ismene's decision, Antigone should not have spoken such rude words to Ismene.
Outstanding blog! Great perspective!
While you assert the basic contention evident in the opening scene of Antigone, I think your analysis suffers from the discrepancy between your thesis and your lack of impartiality. I think that if you are going to make a case for why Antigone exhibits a more admirable character, you should state that at the beginning. Furthermore, I must disagree with your assertion that Ismene “has no backbone” and “is simply accepting of the conditions presented to her.” The insinuation is (1) that practitioners of pragmatism are lesser creatures and (2) that expressing a desire to maintain one’s life is really just a lack of courage. I would argue that Antigone exhibits a major character flaw through her alleged nature to do what is right. It is hubris for a mortal to unilaterally decide what can be categorized by such an arbitrary term. Lastly, I believe your concession, “[n]one of this is to impugn Ismene,” exposes the fundamental flaw in advocating the position you have argued. While it is easy to admire Antigone’s conspicuous “bravery,” reality dictates that in nature, we are much more like Ismene.
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