Antigone Study Guide

It is dawn on the day after the Argive Army has been driven from the gates of Thebes, a walled city. Antigone and Ismene stand in front of King Creon's palace. They commiserate about their most recent heartaches, the loss of their brothers in battle. Antigone informs Ismene of King Creon's decree that of their brothers, only Eteocles will receive a proper burial with full military rites, but Polyneices will have his body unburied, uncovered and left out to be torn and pecked apart. Anyone daring to cross Creon will be stoned to death. Antigone, however, intends to defy the king and bury her beloved brother. She asks Ismene for her help, trying to coerce her with family ties. Ismene is afraid of breaking the law and fears Creon's wrath. Antigone, on the other hand, claims the king will be powerless to stop her. (read more)