Scene IV
Antigone calls the tomb her “vaulted bride-bed in eternal rock.” What kind of figurative language is Sophocles using here, and how does it deepen our understanding of Antigone’s situation?
Sophocles uses an extended metaphor comparing Antigone’s grave to a “bride-bed.” This imagery suggests Antigone should be entering marriage, but instead she “marries” death. The metaphor intensifies her isolation and underscores the theme of fate by showing how her life’s normal milestones are twisted by her punishment.
Teiresias says, “Two heads lit by the eyes of one.” What figurative meaning can be drawn from this line, and how does it reflect the relationship between Teiresias and his guide?
This line is a metaphor showing how the physically blind Teiresias must rely on the sighted boy to guide him. The phrase “lit by the eyes of one” suggests that the boy sees for them both. Symbolically, it contrasts physical blindness with spiritual insight, hinting that while Teiresias lacks literal vision, he "sees" more than others through prophecy. This foreshadows his ability to reveal truths Creon refuses to see.
How does the tone of the messenger’s speech enhance the emotional impact of Antigone and Haimon’s deaths? Identify specific language that contributes to the tone.
Words like “choking,” “wailing,” “desperate,” and “cried out” create a tone of sorrow and horror. The irony that Haimon dies embracing the same woman Creon condemned emphasizes the tragedy of love lost to stubborn authority.
In the line “The pains that men will take to come to pain,” what does Creon mean, and how does this line reflect a larger theme in Antigone?
Creon is reflecting on how people often go to great lengths—through pride or stubborn choices—to bring suffering upon themselves. This line is ironic because it suggests that humans actively cause their own downfall, even though they could choose a different path. The repetition of “pain” emphasizes the tragic result of hubris, especially in characters like Creon, who ignore advice and warnings. This line supports a central theme of the play: human pride can lead to self-destruction.
This character IS the play.
Who is Antigone (Daughter of Oedipus)
In lines 675–676, Antigone says, “I feel the loneliness of [Niobe’s] death in mine.” Why does Antigone compare herself to Niobe, and what does this reveal about her character?
Antigone sees herself as a tragic figure, like Niobe, punished and isolated by forces beyond her control. The comparison reveals that she feels cursed and abandoned, reinforcing her view of herself as a martyr. It also shows her awareness of her family’s history of suffering and guilt.
What does the failure of the burnt offerings (lines 789–794) symbolize in relation to Creon’s rule?
The failed sacrifices symbolize that Creon has lost favor with the gods. The fire refusing to light and the smoke turning gray are signs of divine rejection, showing that his actions have corrupted what should be sacred. It represents the spiritual consequences of political pride and serves as a divine warning.
In Scene V, Teiresias tells Creon, “These are my arrows, Creon: they are all for you.” What figurative language is used in this line, and how does it reveal the tone and intensity of the conflict between the two characters?
Teiresias uses a metaphor by calling his words “arrows,” comparing them to weapons. This suggests that his warnings and accusations are sharp, direct, and meant to strike. The tone is confrontational and intense, showing that Teiresias is no longer trying to persuade Creon gently but is now openly challenging him. This moment heightens the conflict between spiritual authority and political power, and it marks a turning point where Teiresias becomes a full moral opponent to Creon’s stubbornness.
How does the conflict between civil law and moral law develop from the Prologue to Scene V through the actions of Antigone and Creon?
From the very beginning of the play, Antigone believes that the laws of the gods are more important than the laws of man. In the Prologue, she tells Ismene that she must bury her brother Polyneices because it is what the gods require, even though Creon has made it illegal. Creon, on the other hand, values loyalty to the state and believes his laws must be followed above all else. This conflict continues throughout the play, especially in Scene II when Antigone is arrested and refuses to deny what she has done. By Scene V, Teiresias warns Creon that the gods are angry because of his actions. This shows that moral law, not civil law, ultimately wins out. The theme develops as the audience sees that ignoring moral law leads to tragic consequences.
Who is Polynices
What does Creon’s statement, “If dirges and planned lamentations could put off death, men would be singing forever,” reveal about his attitude toward mourning and justice? What is his tone?
Creon’s line shows his dismissive attitude toward emotional displays like mourning or pleading. He sees them as pointless and ineffective, especially when set against the law. His words reflect the theme of reason and authority vs. human emotion, suggesting that he values order and control over compassion. The sarcastic tone also reveals his growing impatience and emotional detachment, which highlights the tragic rigidity of his character.
Explain the use of “brass” and “gold” in lines 832 and 833.
Gold and brass function as symbols: gold represents true value and purity, while brass looks valuable but is inferior and deceptive. Creon uses "gold" to accuse prophets of greed, while Teiresias flips the metaphor, suggesting kings love the illusion of power (brass). The tone is sarcastic and biting, and the figurative language deepens the conflict between moral truth and political pride.
Creon relents and says that Antigone should be freed from the vault. The Choragas tells him, “You must go yourself, you cannot leave it to others.” Why do you think he says this?
This line shows that Creon must take personal responsibility for correcting his mistake. It suggests that true leadership means owning your actions, not just giving orders. Up until now, Creon has acted with pride and refused to listen, but this moment challenges him to humble himself and make things right directly. It’s a turning point that tests whether he can change and accept the consequences of his choices.
How does the theme of pride and the abuse of power evolve through Creon’s character from the Prologue to Scene V?
Creon’s pride is a major part of his downfall. In Scene I, he makes it clear that he values loyalty to the state above all and that anyone who disobeys him will be punished. His refusal to bury Polyneices is based on his pride in his own authority. Even when Antigone defies him, he refuses to listen to reason or show mercy. In Scene III, Haimon tries to warn him that the people do not support his decision, but Creon accuses him of being disloyal. Creon’s pride blinds him to the truth. In Scene V, Teiresias warns him that the gods are angry, but Creon still resists until it’s too late. His abuse of power leads to the deaths of Antigone, Haimon, and Eurydice. The theme of pride is shown in how Creon ignores the advice of others and puts his authority above justice and compassion.
This character is betrothed to Oedipus' daughter and stands by her, going against his own father.
Who is Haimon
Antigone calls out to Thebes, the spring of Dirce, and the sacred Theban grove - “Dear spring of Dirce, sacred Theban grove, / Be witnesses for me, denied all pity, / Unjustly judge! and think a word of love / For her whose path turns / Under dark earth, where there are no more tears.” In these lines, Antigone uses apostrophe - Antigone addresses the city and its sacred places directly. How does her use of apostrophe effect the tone?
This device gives the passage a ceremonial, almost prayer-like tone. It emphasizes Antigone’s isolation and her need for witnesses to her suffering, making her more like a tragic heroine appealing to history or the gods.
The stage directions mention that Teiresias speaks in a “singsong” tone, while Creon speaks realistically. What effect does this contrast in tone create, and how does it reflect their roles?
The contrast highlights the difference in their worldviews. Teiresias’ singsong tone reflects his mystical, prophetic role, suggesting that he speaks not as a man but as a mouthpiece of the gods. Creon’s realistic tone shows his grounded, political mindset, focused on earthly authority. This contrast builds tension and foreshadows the conflict between divine wisdom and human law that unfolds in the scene.
In Ode IV, the Chorus describes a woman whose “father was the god of the North Wind / And she was cradled by gales, / She raced with young colts on the glittering hills / And walked untrammeled in the open light” Look specially at the phrases “cradled by gales,” “raced with young colts,” and “walked untrammeled in the open light.” What do these suggest about the woman?
The woman is described as having a divine, free-spirited nature—“cradled by gales,” “raced with young colts,” and “walked untrammeled in the open light”—symbolizing purity, freedom, and vitality. Yet, she too falls victim to fate. The contrast between her untamed youth and her tragic end symbolizes how no one, not even the divine-born, can escape destiny. This mirrors Antigone’s situation.
How is the theme of fate versus free will developed through the characters of Antigone and Teiresias from the Prologue to Scene V?
Antigone believes her fate is sealed from the beginning. In the Prologue, she says that death is the price she is willing to pay for doing what is right. She sees herself as continuing her family’s tragic fate. In Scene IV, she compares herself to Niobe, another woman punished by the gods, and says, “I feel the loneliness of her death in mine.” Teiresias, on the other hand, shows that free will still matters. In Scene V, he tells Creon that his choices have angered the gods and warns that if he doesn’t change his actions, he will suffer. This shows that while fate is powerful, people still have the choice to act wisely or foolishly. Creon has the chance to avoid disaster, but he acts too late. The theme is shown through how the characters respond to fate: Antigone accepts it, while Teiresias urges Creon to change his future.
This character is blind but has sight.
Who is Tiresias (The prophet and advisor to Creon)
In lines 750–755, Dryas' son is punished for mocking the gods and profaning the revels. What theme does this story reveal, and how does it relate to Creon or Antigone?
This story highlights the theme of the dangers of pride and disrespecting divine power. Just as Dryas' son faced divine wrath, Creon may be in danger for placing state law above divine law, while Antigone’s reverence for the gods might elevate her, despite her punishment. The story warns that human arrogance can lead to downfall, a central idea in the play.
Answers will vary. Response needs to include clear reasoning and reference to the text.
In Scene V, we once again see a reference to birds. Teiresias describes the birds thus:
Where the birds gather about me. They were all a-chatter, / As is their habit, when suddenly I heard / A strange note in their jangling, a scream, a / Whirring fury; I knew that they were fighting, / Tearing each other, dying In a whirlwind of wings clashing.
How does this imagery help set the tone of his message to Creon?
The violent, chaotic imagery of birds attacking each other creates a tone of urgency and dread. It symbolizes that natural order has been disrupted, which foreshadows the seriousness of the gods' anger. Teiresias uses this vivid language to show that Creon's actions have thrown both the human and divine worlds into turmoil.
How does the theme of loyalty and betrayal play out in relationships like Antigone and Ismene, or Haimon and Creon?
Loyalty is an important theme in Antigone, especially when it comes to family. In the Prologue, Antigone asks Ismene to help her bury Polyneices, but Ismene refuses, saying she must obey the law. Antigone feels betrayed by her sister, even though Ismene later tries to share the blame in Scene II. Similarly, Haimon is loyal to Antigone, not his father Creon. In Scene III, Haimon argues with Creon and says that the people think Antigone is right. Creon sees this as a betrayal, but Haimon believes he is being loyal to what is right. These relationships show that loyalty can be complex. The theme develops as characters are forced to choose between loyalty to family, law, or what they believe is just. In the end, Creon’s refusal to listen to those loyal to him causes great tragedy.
This character took her own life because of the loss of both of her sons.
Who is Eurydice