AntigoneDiscussion Guide

Review: The First Half

Setting: outside the palace in Thebes

Antigone’s dilemma: Law of gods vs. law of state

Polynices died fighting Thebes, so Creon does not want him to receive a burial. She feels obligated to bury her brother, but risks her life when she does.

Creon’s dilemma: Public reputation vs. private obligation

He feels that he needs to stay true to his word and punish Antigone by having her killed. At the same time, she is his niece (whom he swore to protect) and his son’s fiance.

Ismene’s dilemma: Support her sister or protect herself

Initially, Ismene plans to protect herself. She does not help Antigone bury Polynices. However, she later changes her mind and claims that she was involved. She does not want to live without her sister (Dede…)

Chorus Explained

The chorus is often the most difficult aspect of Greek tragedies for modern readers

This was not the case in the 5th century B.C. Athens

Chorus was the oldest element - religious roots

Typical tragedy

Prologos, parodos, episodia, stasima, exodos

Chorus ExplainedParodos - after the prologos, in which a few characters introduced the circumstances of the play, the chorus makes its entrance

Stasima - subsequent choral odes, in which the chorus comments on the play’s events

There are episodes between each stasima. Each episode moves the action of the play forward.

Exodos - final ode, in which the chorus delivers the moral of the play and discusses its religious implications

Creon and Haemon

What do they discuss?

Could Creon be any more arrogant?!

Note that Haemon has this conversation with his father not only because he is worried about Antigone, but also because he is worried about his father.

Will Creon punish Ismene?

Chorus and AntigoneKommos (lyrical song of lamentation) with Antigone (43-36)

The chorus is at once sympathetic, disapproving, and distant

Evidence?

“You are paying for your father’s crime” (862).

Antigone and Creon

Does he show any remorse?

How will Antigone be killed? Why?

“If somehow children whose mother I was or my husband had died, I would not have undertaken this labor in defiance of the citizens” (911-914).

Chorus: 4th stasimon

Only Sophoclean ode fully composed of myths

Danae was imprisoned

Lycurgus angered the gods with his pride

Tiresias and Creon

What does Tiresias reveal?

Creon’s anger, self-pity, and fear are evident in this conversation

Does this remind you of Oedipus and Tiresias, or is this situation different?

Creon and Chorus

Creon’s flaw

Creon corrupted by power

Creon realizes his mistake

“Go and release the maiden from her rocky home and make a tomb for the unburied man” (1109-1110).

Hyporchema

Instead of a 5th stasimon, Sophocles has the chorus perform a dance-song. They expect a happy ending.

Why would he include a happy moment right before the fall?

The Messenger

What terrible news does he reveal?

Creon’s horrible realization

Opening Activity

It is impossible to change your fate.

It is okay to lie if telling the truth will hurt someone.

A leader is only as good as he is popular and liked.

You should never go back on your word or promise.

A good citizen is patriotic, loyal, and never questions the government’s authority.