Why does Antigone summon Ismene “beyond the gates” of Thebes to speak to her at the beginning of the play? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Antigone summons Ismene beyond the gates of Thebes in order to discuss their plan to bury their brother Polynices, despite the decree made by King Creon forbidding his burial. Antigone is determined to fulfill this duty as a sister, and she wants to include Ismene in this act of defiance. She believes that Ismene should also share in the responsibility of honoring their brother.
Evidence from the text that supports this interpretation includes Antigone's words to Ismene, "Will you lift him with these hands and lower him with me, or not?" (Line 56). This shows that Antigone is seeking Ismene's cooperation in the burial of Polynices. Additionally, Antigone says to Ismene, "I will bury him: well for me to die in doing that. I shall rest, a loved one with him whom I have loved, sinless in my crime" (Lines 61-64). This statement indicates Antigone's resolve to carry out the burial despite the consequences, and she wants Ismene to be a part of it.
Overall, Antigone summons Ismene beyond the gates of Thebes to involve her in their plan to bury Polynices and to share the duty and consequences of defying King Creon's decree.