How does Sophocles use the sisters’ interaction to advance the plot?
Sophocles uses the sisters' interaction to advance the plot in several key ways. Firstly, their dialogue reveals important information about their family history, relationships, and motivations. For example, Antigone's determination to bury her brother despite the law against it is revealed through her conversations with Ismene.
Secondly, the sisters' interactions serve to create conflict and tension within the play. Their differing opinions and approaches to the situation at hand (burial of their brother) lead to debates and arguments that drive the action forward.
Additionally, the sisters' interactions help to highlight important themes and motifs in the play, such as loyalty, duty, and the conflict between personal beliefs and societal norms. Their discussions serve as a vehicle for exploring these themes and illustrating how they play out in the characters' lives.
Overall, Sophocles uses the sisters' interactions as a way to deepen character development, create conflict, and explore key themes, all of which serve to advance the plot and engage the audience in the unfolding drama.