They say
Reference to Greek society- public- rumor
They say
Reference to Greek society- public- rumor
now you can prove what you are
This can be looked at in terms of gender roles; Is Ismene a conformist that is following women's traditional role during this time OR will she join Antigone in standing up to Creon?
curse
This line refers the curse refers to the requirement in greek mythology that you must honor the dead by giving them a proper burial
they
The word "they" in this case refers to the Greek gods. "They" are always prevalent in greek mythology and society in all forms of life
You’re always hanging on his opinion
This statement is an example of gender roles in the passage. Ismene having to ask the opinion of Creon- it makes no mention that it is due to the fact that he is the king which could be interpreted as her as a women listening to Creon (a man) in a authoritative manner.
It’s a joyless laughter, Ismene.
Laughter being joyless is an oxymoron. Usually when someone is laughing there is joy involved or the feeling of joy.
I want to die with you
in this statement, Ismene wants to make up for her original rejection of defying Creon suggested by Antigone.
You shall not lessen my death by sharing it.
Antigone is saying that Ismene does not have a reason to die. That act would lessen the meaning of Antigone's death. Antigone believes what she is doing is the right thing to honor her brother with a burial as the gods want regardless of the earthly punishment she may receive.
Stealthily–and all the time I never knew
This line here contradicts itself. For one to do something stealthily they are doing it "under the radar" or "without detection" , second part of this line is a direct contradiction to the the first word's meaning.