Why does Ismene want to share the responsibility for Polynices' burial with Antigone?

Ismene's desire to share the responsibility for Polynices' burial with Antigone is rooted in her sense of honor and justice. In the context of the play, Ismene is deeply aware of the moral implications surrounding the burial of her brother, Polynices, especially considering that Creon has declared it a crime to bury him. By wanting to participate in the act of burial, Ismene wishes to stand up for their family and uphold the respect that should be given to the dead, reflecting her values of honoring familial bonds and the principles of justice.

Her motivation is also indicative of the complexity of her character. Although initially hesitant and fearful of defying the king’s edict, her decision to support Antigone demonstrates her understanding of the importance of honoring their brother and the moral obligation they share as sisters. This sense of justice ultimately trumps her fears, highlighting a significant theme in the play regarding individual conscience versus state law.