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

Step-by-step explanation:

In the excerpt presented, it is described how Antigone opposes the actions of Creon as he wants to stop Antigone and her sister from burying his brother. Indeed, even if Ismene (Antigone's sister) expresses they must obey "We are women...We must obey", Antigone decides to break the rules and disobey "I go to bury the brother I love" inspired by love and own principles. These actions indirectly show the reader women can break the rules and be as strong as men. According to this, the universal theme (underlying idea understood in cultures around the word) expressed when Antigone breaks the rules is i"women are as capable as men" (Option B).