What is the function of Ismene?

2 years ago

3 minutes

The role of Ismene, Antigone’s less overtly daring sister, is often oversimplified in studies of Sophocles’ Antigone. Ismene is typically written off as a foil to Antigone, serving to emphasize the transgressive masculine behavior of her sister (Kirkpatrick 2011; Kirkwood 1958; Foley 2001).

What is Ismene’s purpose in Antigone?

In Antigone, Ismene’s fear of challenging Creon and the laws of the state prevent her from sharing in her sister’s bold plan and, ultimately, her fate. In this play, the closest view of the sisters’ relationship, Ismene’s words and actions make clear that she loves her sister greatly, but differs from her greatly, too.

What does Ismene do in Oedipus Rex?

Ismene appears in Oedipus at Colonus to tell her father of the situation in Thebes and the rivalry of his sons. She explains that Eteocles has taken the throne from Polynices and driven him out of the city.

Is Ismene a main character?

In the play “Antigone” by Sophocles, Ismene is one of the many characters. She isn’t the main character, like her sister, but she is referred to many times in the throughout the tragic drama. Ismene proves herself to be a dynamic character because she undergoes a significant change throughout the course of the drama.

Who is Ismene in Oedipus?

Ismene was the name of a character in Greek mythology, the daughter of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta. She was the sister of Antigone, Eteocles and Polynices.

How does Ismene act as a foil to Antigone?

In a sense, Antigone and Ismene are foils. While Antigone demonstrates power and control over her own fate, Ismene shows weakness and the inability to take her life into her own hands. Ismene, unlike her sister, constantly gives in to the stronger wills around her.

What is Ismene’s tragic flaw?

Her tragic flaw is that she has hubris, which is excessive pride, and that leads her to be unbending. Ironically, Antigone means unbending in Greek. Because she is unbending, she will not denounce her decision to bury Polynices. This angers Creon, so he sentences her to death.

What type of character is Ismene?

Blonde, full-figured, and radiantly beautiful, the laughing, talkative Ismene is the good girl of the family. She is reasonable and understands her place, bowing to Creon’s edict and attempting to dissuade Antigone from her act of rebellion. As in Sophocles’ play, she is Antigone’s foil.

Why does Ismene change her mind?

Ismene chooses the side of reason due to her fear of death and authority but has a change of heart after seeing Antigone’s bravery. Unfortunately, it’s too late, and Ismene is left alone with Creon at the end of the play, the rest of her family slain by their own hands.