How does Ismene respond to Antigone's request for help?

Ismene's response to Antigone's request for help is driven by her sense of caution and adherence to authority. In the play, she insists that the sisters must obey the king's decree, which forbids the burial of their brother Polynices. Ismene embodies a more pragmatic and fearful approach, prioritizing safety over familial loyalty and the moral imperative that Antigone represents. Her refusal to help Antigone reflects her belief in the consequences of defying the state, highlighting the theme of individual conscience versus societal law. This ultimately sets up a stark contrast between the two sisters, as Ismene's perspective showcases the struggle between obedience and moral duty that is central to the play's conflict.