Is Ismene a weakling, a mere fence-sitter, or does she represent a reasonable position? Support your ideas with textual evidence. 

It was made predominantly clear from the beginning of the play that Ismene and Antigone’s personalities and moral values contrast significantly. This is reflected in Antigone’s bold, spontaneous actions which depicts her as a much more defiant, dauntless individual.  Contrastingly, whilst Ismene’s thoughts upon her brother’s rights align with those of Antigone, her moral obligations differ immensely, as she opposes to physically bury her dead brother. Whilst it can be argued that Ismene is consequently perceived as a weak, frail individual, scared to risk her life and status for the fair burial of her brother, it should also be considered that Ismene is more considerate of the sister’s status and role in society. For example, she is more aware that “We’re children of oedipus- daughters of a man who fathered us on his mother – the king they drove from their city” . Ismene addresses a reasonable position as she does not fail to recognise how as the daughters of the king, society’s standards and perceptions would not allow them to do such act. Whilst Antigone does not explicitly say it, Ismene is often alluded to as a motherly figure, (given that their mother is dead) and often advises Antigone of what is most wise and reasonable, therefore challenging Antigone’s motives. this is what consequently drives the sisters apart. Thus, there is an identical parralel drawn here to Homefire, portraying how for the sake of love, one’s actions may deviate so far from the other that it leads to corruption. For example, Ismene questions “Are you and I to be next? How do you think they see us? How do you think we’d fare if we went against the order?”. In this case, Ismene’s fear of burying her brother is clearly exhibited here, as she considers what is to become of the sisters as a consequence to the act of a burial. Hence, it could also be interpreted that above her brother’s right to a burial, Ismene cares more about the sister’s fate and reputation to a greater extent than to potentially scarify her and her sister’s life for the burial of their brother. This shows the sister’s oppositions in their values and beliefs and the extents to which they go to protect their family and sustain their love. 

On an other hand, Ismene often shows great signs of denial and loss of hope in regard to what the sisters are capable to do for their brother. For example, Ismene claims “What do you mean a test? If things have gone this far, what is there I can do?” and “You are mad. You don’t have a chance”. Ismene’s bold claims and persistent behaviour in oppose to her sister’s desire are potentially a reflection of her lack of courage and courage compared to Antigone. Ismene explicitly alludes to her lack of strength and power as she says  “Nor Am I strong enough to defy the laws of the land”. She also refers to their role as young women of society, as she says “It’s not a woman’s place. We’re weak where they are strong.”. Therefore, it should also be considered that perhaps, Ismene fully abides to societal perceptions of women and their minor associations to power and dominance, and is in utter denial in regard to how she and her sisters can possibly harness change against Creon’s virtues and laws.