When Ismene tries to convince Antigone not to bury Polynices, she says, "We 're underlings, ruled by much stronger hands" (76). In saying that they are "ruled by much stronger hands" , Ismene implies that men are stronger than and have authority over women. She fails to take action because she is fearful of man 's authority. However, she later contradicts this view when she says "I 'm not ashamed / to sail through trouble with you" (607-608). Ismene is willing to endure this ordeal with Antigone. This implies that Ismene 's views have changed. Although she did not take an active role in the burial of Polynices, she is willing to contend with men and fight against this with her sister. She goes on to say "let me die besides me" (613). Ismene