One of the conflicts in Antigone is the struggle between men and women. Ismene tells Antigone that since birth, women “were not born to fight against men” (75), demonstrating women's obedience and passivity. In the same passage, Ismene says, “we are underlings, ruled by stronger hands” (76), a representation of aggressive men and “stronger hands” who dominate women and treat them like second-class citizens. The only woman in Thebes who desires to free herself from these chains is Antigone, who speaks out against Ismene's passivity by urging her to "submit to this" (77) and to defy Creon by burying Polyneices. By breaking Creon's edict, Antigone challenges the traditional gender roles that women and men play. How does the theme of gender in Antigone demonstrate the passion and choices behind Antigone and Ismene's decisions? Ismene believes that women are “subordinates” (76) and not “struggling with men” (76) because she knows that men will always control society. This view of men's domination over women shows that Ismene is submissive to men while fearing men's authority. Ismene is unable to control her destiny and her decisions because she is afraid of the power of men over women, which leads her to refuse to bury Polyneices. Later in the play, Ismene questions Creon's judgment by saying "you would kill your own son's bride?" (641), which indicates that she is now aware that women must have a voice and power in society. His new understanding of Antigone's message gives him the strength to question Creon, while highlighting his cruelty. Ismene's original conviction to "submit to this" (77) and be a true Greek girl, ultimately transforms into a defender of Antigone. Her transformation challenges the authority of men, the opposite of what she believed in. Antigone believes that a woman must be fearless and strong, even at the risk of challenging men's authority. When she suggests burying Polyneices, Ismene responds: “we were not born to fight against men.” (75) Antigone's response, "that death will be a glory" (86), does not directly address gender issues, but it expresses her fury at Ismene's passivity. After Polyneices is buried, Antigone defiantly declares, “I did it. I deny nothing,” as she is questioned by Creon (492) and later comments that she was “not ashamed for a single moment of not honoring my brother.” (572-3) Antigone's gallant speech and challenge to traditional gender identities boldly demonstrate her revolutionary desire for gender equality..