Final answer:
The quote is said by Ismene in Sophocles' tragedy 'Antigone', where she grapples with the repercussions of disobeying the king's orders versus adhering to her own moral convictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The words "I, for one, I'll beg the dead to forgive me-- I'm forced, I have no choice-- I must obey the ones who stand in power. Why rush to extremes? It's madness,madness." are spoken by Ismene in Sophocles' classical tragedy, Antigone. In this moment, Ismene expresses her feelings of powerlessness and fear of defying the king's decree despite her moral misgivings. These lines represent her caution and desire to adhere to the societal norms and laws that oppress her, a theme central to the play's exploration of individual morality versus state laws.
The quote reflects Ismene's conflict between her duty to her family, particularly to her brother Polynices, whose burial has been forbidden by King Creon, and her obligations to the state's laws and rulers. The tension between personal moral responsibility and obedience to authority is a key theme in this timeless work.