1. Moral Principles vs. Societal Conformity:
- Antigone: Antigone is driven by her strong moral principles and a sense of justice. She believes in the importance of following the unwritten laws and honoring family obligations, even when they go against the orders of the state.
- Ismene: Ismene, on the other hand, is more concerned with societal conformity and avoiding personal risk. She fears the consequences of defying their uncle Creon's edict and urges Antigone to comply with the law.
2. Courage vs. Fear:
- Antigone: Antigone displays exceptional courage in her determination to bury her brother Polyneices, even though it means breaking the law and facing severe punishment. She is willing to risk her own safety and life for what she believes is right.
- Ismene: Ismene lacks the same courage and fortitude as her sister. She is easily dissuaded by fear of the consequences and tries to convince Antigone to abandon her plan. She chooses personal safety and social acceptance over standing up for her beliefs.
3. Sense of Duty vs. Self-Preservation:
- Antigone: Antigone is guided by a strong sense of duty towards her family and the divine laws. She believes that it is her duty to honor her brother and perform the proper burial rituals, regardless of the consequences.
- Ismene: Ismene prioritizes self-preservation and personal safety above all else. She is unwilling to risk her own well-being for the sake of her brother or family, and she tries to dissuade Antigone from taking action.
4. Individuality vs. Social Conformity:
- Antigone: Antigone is a strong and independent individual who is willing to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against the majority or incurring social disapproval.
- Ismene: Ismene is more compliant and conforming to social norms. She is concerned about public opinion and the consequences of defying authority, which influences her decisions and actions.
In summary, Antigone is contrasted with Ismene through their differing moral principles, courage, sense of duty, and individuality. Antigone represents a character of strong moral convictions and personal strength, while Ismene embodies caution, fear, and a tendency towards social conformity. Their contrasting perspectives and actions propel the conflict and themes in the play.