We learn quite a lot about Antigone in this exchange
between the sisters which is unheard by the chorus. Here are a
few:
The girls are still suffering the effects of their
father's
shame--"pain...sorrow...suffering...dishonor."
Antigone is
the one who knows the latest news of the town, and particulary the news of their
brother's fate. Ismene has heard nothing.
Antigone
understands what she's suggesting to her sister is a punishable offense, which is why
she takes her outside the city gates to talk with her about
it.
Antigone believes her uncle, the King, has made the
decree against properly burying the "traitor" specifically against the two of them.
Then she adds, "Against me." She is apparently the one who will care most about her
brother's eternal destiny.
Antigone challenges her sister
to get her to act; she is obviously the stronger of the two, and she knows her sister to
be less resolute.
Antigone clearly wants her sister's
help--she asks her pointedly several times: Will you help
me?"
Antigone is fiercely loyal,
obviously.
Antigone understands she is a person with
rights, not just a woman dependent on the kindness and generaosity of others: "He has
no right to keep me from my own."
Antigone is disgusted
with her sister, who says she's only a woman and must obey the laws set forth by
men.
Antigone is willing to die in the pursuit of theis
cause: "And if I die for it, what happiness!"
Antigone
dismisses Ismene's fears for her: "You need not fear for me. Fear for yourself." She
obviously believes her sister's soul is in danger if she allows this injustice to happen
to her brother.
Antigone doesn't care who finds out about
her plans.
Antigone is determined: "When I have
tried and failed, I shall have failed.
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