Erica Curry Mrs. Rockfeld October 6th, 2024 Antigone. The “Antigone Essay” Jennet Kirkpatrick's extensive assessment of Sophocles' "Antigone" portrays Ismene as an example of "unheroic weak resistance," in sharp contrast to her sister Antigone's forceful, public, and heroic opposition. Kirkpatrick asks readers to reexamine the play's primary conflict of an unburied Polynieces and the results of it, implying that the tension between the sisters is more than merely a clash of courage and cowardice, but rather a representation of two unique kinds of resistance: heroic and unheroic. Examining Ismene's passive self-presentation, Kirkpatrick exposes a deeper, more complex type of dissent that challenges King Creon's authority in a quieter but equally powerful manner. She argues that Ismene's resistance reflects a sophisticated, sensitive strategy conveyed by a strategic knowledge of her limitations and vincibility inside the sociopolitical …show more content…
With this being their current position, Ismene communicates her fear of demise concerning the series of unfortunate deaths in their family. Kirkpatrick's analysis suggests that Ismene's "inwardness and individual conscience" lead her to a calculated, self-preserving form of dissent, in contrast to Antigone's more overt heroism. Additionally, Kirkpatrick's profound interpretation of Ismene as the "unheroic weak resistor" leads to a more nuanced understanding of political opposition. By shifting the focus away from Antigone's heroic, selfless demeanor and actions, she emphasizes the opportunities inherent in more subdued, subtle forms of resistance. Ismene's story serves as a compelling reminder that there are numerous approaches to fighting for justice and equality and that the "weak" can be more intelligent and resourceful than the "strong" make themselves out to