Hey King Get Off Our Backs Answer Key

The phrase "hey king get off our backs" resonates powerfully as a defiant cry against oppression, most famously uttered within the context of Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy Antigone. Even so, this important line, spoken by Ismene to her sister Antigone, crystallizes a profound moral and political conflict that continues to captivate audiences and scholars millennia later. Understanding this line, its context, and its implications is crucial for anyone delving into this cornerstone of Western literature. This article provides a comprehensive exploration, including the essential answer key for key questions surrounding this iconic moment.

Introduction: The Spark of Rebellion

Antigone, written around 441 BCE, unfolds in the aftermath of a brutal civil war between the brothers Eteocles and Polyneices, who have slain each other fighting for the throne of Thebes. Their uncle, Creon, now rules as regent and decrees that Eteocles, the defender of the city, shall receive a proper burial, while Polyneices, the traitor, shall be left unburied as a warning to others. This decree sets the stage for the central conflict. Antigone, driven by divine law and familial piety, defies Creon's edict to bury her brother. Her sister Ismene, initially fearful and compliant, represents the voice of caution and adherence to human law. The moment Ismene turns to Antigone and utters, "Hey king, get off our backs," is a critical turning point. It marks Ismene's reluctant, yet still fearful, acknowledgment of Antigone's defiance and her own moral compromise. This line encapsulates the tension between divine duty and human authority, individual conscience and state power, a tension that defines the entire play.

The Context: A City Under Tyranny

To grasp the full weight of Ismene's words, one must understand the setting. On the flip side, the Chorus, representing the voice of the Theban elders, initially supports Creon but later expresses unease, sensing the moral corruption of his rule. And her plea to Antigone, "Hey king, get off our backs," is not just a plea for her sister to abandon her dangerous plan; it's a desperate, terrified acknowledgment of the crushing weight of Creon's rule. Still, thebes is under the absolute rule of Creon. Here's the thing — by forbidding Polyneices' burial, Creon seeks to erase the traitor's existence, deny him any honor, and demonstrate the futility of rebellion against his absolute authority. That's why his decree is not merely a burial law; it is a statement of total control. Her initial refusal to help Antigone bury Polyneices stems from a genuine belief in the necessity of obeying the state, however unjust. Day to day, she sees no viable alternative to Creon's power. The city is paralyzed by fear. Citizens dare not speak out for fear of punishment. Ismene embodies this pervasive fear. She implores Antigone to recognize the futility of challenging the "king" and the certain consequences that will follow.

The Significance: Moral Courage vs. Fear

Ismene's line is significant on multiple levels:

1. The Voice of Compromise: It represents the voice of those who choose survival over principle. Ismene chooses to live under the king's oppressive rule rather than risk death for what she sees as an impossible cause. Her plea to Antigone is a plea for self-preservation, even if it means abandoning her sister and her own moral compass.
2. The Acknowledgment of Tyranny: By addressing Creon as "king" and telling him to "get off our backs," Ismene implicitly acknowledges that Creon's rule is indeed oppressive ("get off our backs"). She recognizes the burden he places on the citizens, even if she lacks the courage to defy him.
3. The Catalyst for Tragedy: This exchange is the immediate catalyst for Antigone's decision to proceed with the burial. Antigone's defiant response, "I'll bury him myself," directly challenges Creon's authority and sets the tragic chain of events in motion: Antigone's arrest, Creon's stubbornness, the prophet Tiresias's warning, Haemon's suicide, Eurydice's suicide, and Creon's ultimate, devastating realization of his folly. Ismene's fear and plea only strengthen Antigone's resolve to act.
4. A Universal Theme: The line resonates far beyond ancient Thebes. It speaks to the universal human experience of confronting oppressive authority. It asks: What is the cost of obedience? What is the cost of defiance? Ismene's words capture the paralyzing fear that often prevents individuals from standing up for what is right.

The Answer Key: Key Questions and Insights

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1. Who speaks the line "Hey king get off our backs" and to whom? Ismene speaks it to Antigone.
2. What is the immediate context of this line? Antigone has just declared her intention to bury their brother Polyneices despite Creon's decree forbidding it. Ismene, initially refusing to help, expresses her fear and urges Antigone to abandon this dangerous plan and comply with the king's law.
3. What does the line reveal about Ismene's character? It reveals Ismene's deep-seated fear of Creon's power, her preference for self-preservation over familial loyalty or moral principle, and her belief that challenging the king is futile and suicidal.
4. What does the line reveal about the state of Thebes under Creon? It reveals that Thebes is under a tyrannical rule that instills pervasive fear in its citizens. The citizens feel oppressed and burdened ("get off our backs") by the king's absolute authority.
5. Why is this line a turning point in the play? Antigone's defiant response to Ismene's plea ("I'll bury him myself") directly challenges Creon's authority and sets the tragic events of the play in motion. Ismene's fear and plea only strengthen Antigone's resolve.
6. What is the broader significance of this line? It symbolizes the conflict between individual conscience and state authority, the moral courage required to oppose tyranny, and the devastating consequences of fear and compromise. It remains a powerful commentary on oppression and the human cost of obedience.

Conclusion: Echoes of an Ancient Cry

The line "hey king get off our backs," spoken in fear and resignation by Ismene to her defiant sister

encapsulates a profound truth about power and its impact on the human spirit. It’s a lament for a society stifled by unchecked authority, a society where individual conscience is secondary to the demands of the state. Ismene’s words are not merely a personal plea for safety; they represent the collective anxiety of a populace living under the shadow of tyranny.

The tragedy of Antigone isn't simply about one woman's defiance; it's about the corrosive effects of power and the devastating consequences of suppressing fundamental human values. Still, creon, blinded by his own rigid sense of justice and political expediency, fails to recognize the moral imperative that drives Antigone's actions. Practically speaking, he prioritizes the stability of the state over the sanctity of human life and the dictates of divine law. Ismene’s fear, though understandable, ultimately contributes to this moral failure, highlighting how fear can be a powerful tool of oppression.

In the long run, Ismene’s plea serves as a chilling reminder that even in the face of injustice, the temptation to conform can be overwhelming. That said, Antigone’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs, even in the face of certain death, offers a powerful counter-narrative. Now, the echoes of Ismene's desperate plea resonate through the centuries, reminding us that the fight for individual freedom and moral integrity is a constant and often perilous endeavor. Practically speaking, her act of defiance, fueled by a deep sense of moral responsibility, forces us to confront the uncomfortable questions about the nature of justice, the limits of authority, and the enduring power of individual conscience. The play's enduring power lies in its ability to expose the human cost of both tyranny and the compromises born of fear.