How does Ismene’s refusal to help bury Polyneices affect Antigone? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Ismene’s refusal to help bury Polyneices affects Antigone by driving her to take on the task of burying him alone, ultimately leading to her tragic death. In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, Ismene initially expresses her fear of defying the king's orders and refuses to help her sister bury Polyneices. Antigone, on the other hand, is determined to honor her brother by giving him a proper burial regardless of the consequences.
Antigone's determination to bury Polyneices alone is evident in her conversation with Ismene, where she declares, “I’ll bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory” (Sophocles, 85). This decision highlights Antigone’s unwavering loyalty to her family and her willingness to sacrifice her own life in order to fulfill her duty.
Ismene’s refusal to aid Antigone also serves to highlight the difference in their characters and values. While Ismene is portrayed as cautious and obedient to authority, Antigone is depicted as rebellious and fiercely independent. Ismene’s refusal ultimately pushes Antigone to take matters into her own hands, leading to her tragic fate.
Overall, Ismene’s refusal to help bury Polyneices significantly impacts Antigone by prompting her to act alone and ultimately leading to her downfall.