- Antigone appeals to Ismene's sense of family duty. She reminds Ismene that they are the only remaining children of Oedipus and Jocasta, and that it is their duty to honor their brother's death.
- Antigone emphasizes the importance of justice. She argues that it is wrong for Creon to leave Polyneices' body unburied, and that they must defy his orders in order to do what is right.
- Antigone accuses Ismene of cowardice. She tells Ismene that she is afraid to stand up to Creon, and that she is willing to sacrifice her own brother's honor in order to save her own skin.
Middle of the section:
- Antigone becomes more emotional and passionate. She pleads with Ismene to help her bury Polyneices, and she threatens to do it herself if Ismene refuses.
- Antigone reminds Ismene of the consequences of their actions. She tells Ismene that they will both be punished if they defy Creon, but that it is a risk that they must take in order to do what is right.
- Antigone appeals to Ismene's sense of shame. She tells Ismene that she will be ashamed of herself if she does not help her bury Polyneices, and that she will never be able to look her brother in the face again.
End of the section:
- Antigone becomes desperate and resorts to threats. She tells Ismene that she will kill herself if Ismene does not help her, and that she will haunt Ismene for the rest of her life.
- Antigone's words finally convince Ismene to help her. Ismene agrees to help Antigone bury Polyneices, and the two sisters set off to perform their forbidden task.