Read the excerpt from " The Royal House of Thebes ."
Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon had decided. To Ismene, shocking as it was, overwhelming her with anguish for the pitiful dead body and the lonely, homeless soul, it seemed, nevertheless, that nothing could be done except to acquiesce [to accept without protest]. She and Antigone were utterly alone. All Thebes was exulting that the man who had brought war upon them should be thus terribly punished. "We are women," she told her sister. "We must obey. We have no strength to defy the State." "Choose your own part," Antigone said. "I go to bury the brother I love." "You are not strong enough," Ismene cried. "Why, then when my strength fails," Antigone answered, "I will give up." She left her sister; Ismene dared not follow her.
What makes Antigone a rebel?
her statement that women are not strong enough to defy the state
her horror at what Creon had decided regarding her brother's burial
her decision to go bury her brother, with or without Ismene
her admonition to Ismene to do whatever she chooses
her decision to go bury her brother, with or without Ismene
Antigone is a rebel primarily because of her decision to go bury her brother, with or without Ismene.
In order to determine what makes Antigone a rebel, we need to analyze the given excerpt. Antigone's rebellious nature can be inferred from her actions and statements.
Firstly, her horror at what Creon had decided regarding her brother's burial shows her defiance. Creon had decreed that Polynices, Antigone's brother, would not be given a proper burial. This decision goes against the religious and moral beliefs of Antigone, as she believes that every individual deserves a proper burial.
Furthermore, Antigone takes a firm stand when she declares her decision to go bury her brother, with or without Ismene. She is willing to disobey Creon's orders and risk the consequences associated with her actions. This determination to follow her own beliefs and defy authority aligns with the idea of rebellion.
Lastly, Antigone's admonition to Ismene to do whatever she chooses implies that she does not want Ismene's compliance out of duty, but rather encourages her sister to make her own choice. Antigone's rebellious nature can be seen in her refusal to conform to societal expectations and the commands of the state.
Therefore, based on the given excerpt, all three options can be seen as contributing factors to Antigone's rebellious character.