Monologue

Ismene Monologue from Antigone

From Antigone by Sophocles

female · anguished · 1:10 min

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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) 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; 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; 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.

About this piece

Ismene pleads with her sister Antigone to consider the dire consequences of defying the king's orders, reflecting on their family's tragic history and the societal expectations placed upon women.

20s · fear · fate · power · family · obedience

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