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 to speak to her at the beginning of the play because she wants to discuss the burying of their brother Polyneices, which is a forbidden act. Antigone tells Ismene, "Sister, you would do the same if you could find the courage" (1.60), indicating that she wants Ismene to join her in defying the king's edict and honoring their brother's body.
Antigone also expresses her frustration with Ismene for not standing up for their family and their beliefs, saying, "But as for me, I will bury the brother I love" (1.84). Antigone wants Ismene to be a companion in her defiance, and by summoning her beyond the gates of Thebes, she removes any witnesses or potential informants who might report on their plans.
Overall, Antigone summons Ismene beyond the gates of Thebes to speak to her because she wants her sister's support and assistance in carrying out their forbidden act of burying Polyneices.