Chorus sings a song extolling the dominance of man over the world-- over the natural world, which he has subdued, and over the political world, which bends to his whims. But end on a word of warning against ambition overstepping its bounds.
Sentry reenters with Antigone in tow. He cheerfully and at great length tells how she was caught red-handed re-burying the body (after the guards had dusted it off the first time). Antigone stands up to Creon, denying nothing, and claiming that she was following a higher law-- a law the Creon has not the authority to nullify. Creon is angered even more. Biting back-and-forth between the two, neither giving an inch.
Ismene is brought in, to be punished as an accomplice, a role she gladly accepts now that her remaining family is doomed. Antigone ruefully denies her that title, for she wouldn't go along with her plan at the beginning. Ismene tries to save Antigone by pointing out she is betrothed to Creon's son Haemon-- just throwing another duty onto the pile. Taken aback, Creon sends them both to be locked up while he figures out what to do next.
The Chorus sings a song lamenting the terrible fate that continues to wend its way through the family of Oedipus. The gods are exceptionally cruel, and wicked in their play.
Haemon enters.
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