In the opening scene, it introduces Antigone and her sister Ismene. It takes place after Eteocles and Polyneices’ death at each other’s hands, and when Creon rises to power. As king, Creon’s first command is to give Eteocles a proper burial with full military honors, while Polyneices was left to rot and as food for the dogs. Anyone who is to bury Polyneices will be punishable by death. As Polyneices sister, Antigone feels the need to give Polyneices ghost rest and plans to go against Creon. Antigone thoroughly explains to Ismene her strategy and wants Ismene’s help throughout. Ismene is reluctant and does not want to break Creon’s rules. Fearing that breaking the law will have Antigone punishes, Ismene tries to talk Antigone out of going through the plan however, Antigone remains insistent. …show more content…
She also mentions how they are women, and as women, they are expected to have a kind nature with no sorts of power whatsoever. Since they are women they are naturally submissive and are not compatible against men. Ismene does not change her mind and chooses to take no action to honor her dead brother, and says “I’ll beg the dead to forgive me” (Line 78). Antigone’s love for Polyneices is above Creon’s law and she sticks with her plan to bury him. She argues that although she would break the law, she would be held honorable in the eyes of the gods. Ismene agrees to keep silent about Antigone’s plan but Antigone seems to not mind if anyone finds out. Antigone has accepted she shall die, and go to the underworld if it means she did the right thing and buried