Why is Antigone angry with Ismene?

Answer 1

First, Antigone is angry with Ismene for docilely and passively accepting the rule of mortal men. Ismene thinks that men rule and women obey. Antigone doesn't think that way at all.

Second, Antigone is angry with Ismene for not helping to bury their brother Polyneices. Antigone doesn't have the strength to do a below ground burial. Without Ismene's assistance, their brother will get a symbolic burial by being covered with a thin layer of dirt. That isn't going to be much protection against the weather and wildlife.

Third, Antigone is angry with Ismene for suggesting that the illegal partial burial and funeral service be kept secret. Antigone equates that with cowardice and self centeredness.

Fourth, Antigone is angry with Ismene for trying to join her in a death sentence after not joining in on the lawbreaking. Antigone has a strong personality that's motivated by passionately held convictions. As far as she's concerned, you don't change horses in mid stream. So she takes someone at their first word and accepts no flip flopping. You're either with her or against her, with nothing in between.