Question

Read the excerpt from "The Royal House of Thebes."

Antigone and Ismene heard with horror what Creon had decided. To Ismene, shocking as it was, overwhelming her with anguish for the pitiful dead body and the lonely, homeless soul, it seemed, nevertheless, that nothing could be done except to acquiesce [to accept without protest]. She and Antigone were utterly alone. All Thebes was exulting that the man who had brought war upon them should be thus terribly punished. "We are women," she told her sister. "We must obey. We have no strength to defy the State." "Choose your own part," Antigone said. "I go to bury the brother I love." "You are not strong enough," Ismene cried. "Why, then when my strength fails," Antigone answered, "I will give up." She left her sister; Ismene dared not follow her.
How does Antigone's action as a rebel reveal the universal theme?
It shows that she is tired of being alone, revealing that loneliness is difficult for people to handle.
It shows that she can break the rules for her principles, revealing that women are as capable as men.
It shows that she does not side with her sister, revealing that families should stick together.
It shows that she pities Ismene, revealing that understanding leads to right action.

Answer 1

The answer is:

It shows that she can break the rules for her principles, revealing that women are as capable as men.

According to the excerpt from "The Royal House of Thebes," Antigone refuses to follow Creon's order not to offer burial to her brother Polynices. The reason is she believes it is the right thing to do and it goes against the God's law. Although her sister Ismene is afraid to disobey men, Antigone is not frightened and is competent enough to give her late brother a proper grave on her own.