Question
Read the conversation between Ismene (Antigone’s sister) and Antigone. Then, check all that apply.
ISMENE: Bethink thee, sister, of our father’s fate,
Abhorred, dishonored, self-convinced of sin,
Blinded, himself his executioner.
Think of his mother-wife (ill sorted names)
5 Done by a noose herself had twined to death
And last, our hapless brethren in one day,
Both in a mutual destiny involved,
Self-slaughtered, both the slayer and the slain.
Bethink thee, sister, we are left alone;
10 Shall we not perish wretchedest of all,
If in defiance of the law we cross
A monarch’s will?—weak women, think of that,
Not framed by nature to contend with men.
Remember this too that the stronger rules;
15 We must obey his orders, these or worse.
Therefore I plead compulsion and entreat
The dead to pardon. I perforce obey
The powers that be. ‘Tis foolishness, I ween,
To overstep in aught the golden mean.
20 ANTIGONE: I urge no more; nay, wert thou willing still,
I would not welcome such a fellowship.
Go thine own way; myself will bury him.
How sweet to die in such employ, to rest,—
Sister and brother linked in love’s embrace—
25 A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth,
But by the dead commended; and with them
I shall abide for ever. As for thee,
Scorn, if thou wilt, the eternal laws of Heaven.
What is Antigone speaking about with regard to the eternal laws of Heaven?
Family members had to take care of their family in life and death.
A corpse had to be buried so that a person’s spirit would not go to Hades.
The king’s orders had to be obeyed or death would be the punishment.
All of these
None of these
ISMENE: Bethink thee, sister, of our father’s fate,
Abhorred, dishonored, self-convinced of sin,
Blinded, himself his executioner.
Think of his mother-wife (ill sorted names)
5 Done by a noose herself had twined to death
And last, our hapless brethren in one day,
Both in a mutual destiny involved,
Self-slaughtered, both the slayer and the slain.
Bethink thee, sister, we are left alone;
10 Shall we not perish wretchedest of all,
If in defiance of the law we cross
A monarch’s will?—weak women, think of that,
Not framed by nature to contend with men.
Remember this too that the stronger rules;
15 We must obey his orders, these or worse.
Therefore I plead compulsion and entreat
The dead to pardon. I perforce obey
The powers that be. ‘Tis foolishness, I ween,
To overstep in aught the golden mean.
20 ANTIGONE: I urge no more; nay, wert thou willing still,
I would not welcome such a fellowship.
Go thine own way; myself will bury him.
How sweet to die in such employ, to rest,—
Sister and brother linked in love’s embrace—
25 A sinless sinner, banned awhile on earth,
But by the dead commended; and with them
I shall abide for ever. As for thee,
Scorn, if thou wilt, the eternal laws of Heaven.
What is Antigone speaking about with regard to the eternal laws of Heaven?
Family members had to take care of their family in life and death.
A corpse had to be buried so that a person’s spirit would not go to Hades.
The king’s orders had to be obeyed or death would be the punishment.
All of these
None of these
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Antigone is speaking about the importance of obeying the eternal laws of Heaven, which she prioritizes over the king's orders. Specifically, she believes that it is a moral duty to ensure that a corpse is buried properly so that the spirit can find peace, regardless of the consequences from the king.
Given this understanding, the most fitting answer would be:
**Family members had to take care of their family in life and death.**
While the burial of the corpse is a central element, the broader idea of moral obligation to family is implied in Antigone's actions and beliefs.
However, if focusing only on the options provided:
**A corpse had to be buried so that a person’s spirit would not go to Hades.**
This option directly reflects Antigone's reason for wanting to perform the burial, which ties into her view of the eternal laws of Heaven.
Antigone's emphasis on divine law over human law encapsulates her character's motivations. Thus, the best choice based on the provided context would be the second option mentioned, rather than "All of these" or any of the others that do not directly align with her core belief.
Given this understanding, the most fitting answer would be:
**Family members had to take care of their family in life and death.**
While the burial of the corpse is a central element, the broader idea of moral obligation to family is implied in Antigone's actions and beliefs.
However, if focusing only on the options provided:
**A corpse had to be buried so that a person’s spirit would not go to Hades.**
This option directly reflects Antigone's reason for wanting to perform the burial, which ties into her view of the eternal laws of Heaven.
Antigone's emphasis on divine law over human law encapsulates her character's motivations. Thus, the best choice based on the provided context would be the second option mentioned, rather than "All of these" or any of the others that do not directly align with her core belief.