Prologue
What to characters are at odds over the burying of their brother in the prologue?
According to the Chorus, how did the battle between Eteocles and Polynices end?
Both brothers died at each other’s hands.
According to Creon in Scene 1, why does he refuse burial for Polynices?
Polynices was a traitor who attacked his own city.
How does Creon react to Antigone’s confession?
He is furious and insists she be punished - sentenced to death.
What is the purpose of the prologue?
The prologue serves to introduce the central conflict between morality and authority.
“He the wild eagle screaming / Insults our land with his hungry cries.” What does the metaphor of the “wild eagle” most likely represent?
Polynices and his invading army
Why does Sophocles include the Sentry's hesitation before delivering the news to Creon?
To create suspense and show Creon’s intimidating presence
What can be inferred about Ismene from her behavior in Scene 2?
She wants to join Antigone in death out of guilt and loyalty.
Haimon will not relent, and he tries to reason with Creon. How do Creon and Haimon end their
conversation? How do they leave things?
Why doesn't Antigone fear death if she buries her brother?
Because she feels it is the moral thing to do and she fears he will not enter the afterlife if he does not get the proper burial.
“Zeus hates with a vengeance / The boasts of a proud tongue.” What does this suggest about the Chorus’s attitude toward the defeated enemy?
They believe his downfall was deserved due to arrogance.
How does Creon’s law regarding Polynices help develop one of the major themes of the play?
It sets up a moral dilemma between obedience to law and personal conscience and morals.
What central theme is developed through the interaction between Creon and Antigone in Scene 2?
The struggle between obedience to the state and obedience to moral or divine law. It also considers themes around loyalties and where they lie.
What is Creon’s plan for Antigone? Why does he make this choice?
He is going to have her locked in a stone vault in the wilderness, and he will provide her food. He does this because he sees it as absolving himself from her death (as he won't directly kill her). He hopes this means the gods will not punish him, which shows he may think that his actions are problematic.
Based on Ismene’s dialogue, what can be inferred about her character?
She fears the consequences of disobedience.
What is the primary purpose of the Parodos in Antigone?
It describes the outcome of the battle and also shows an uplifting tone, as if things in Thebes are going to be good an prosperous.
Why does Sophocles have Creon deliver a long monologue at the beginning of Scene 1?
To provide the audience with background and set the tone of his leadership
What does the metaphor of the "last flower of Oedipus' line" suggest about Antigone?
She is the last hope of a doomed family, but she will not get a chance to truly grow, for though she "drank the sunlight," she will end up a dead flower for her actions.
What central idea is Haimon trying to convey with the tree and sailing metaphors?
He is trying to illustrate that people need to bend, to be flexible. Without flexibility, they will not survive. (This also reminds us of Creon's mention of the ships coming back safely. He is now being inflexible, which could sink the ship.)
“We are only women, / We cannot fight with men, Antigone!” – Ismene. What central idea is developed through this line?
Gender roles restrict action and authority in their society.
“Now victory with her glorious name / Has come, bringing joy to Thebes.” What central idea is conveyed through this line from the Parodos?
The people of Thebes rejoice in military triumph.
Sophocles include the Chorus in the Ode for scene I. What purpose does this Ode serve?
The "Ode to Man" examines the might of man and what is able to conquer and control. However, it is made clear that he cannot conquer death. This is meant to show that man should not be too boastful and arrogant, for he is not all powerful. Relates to themes around hubris.
It creates sympathy for Antigone as she is seen as a mother whose nest was "stripped" and who is "crying bitterly." It shows the depth of her sorrow.
In Ode III (Ode to Love) the Chorus uses direct address, as if talking to Love. How does the
Chorus characterize love?
Love is seen as something that can conquer anyone. It is something that can be very powerful and beautiful, but it can also be dangerous because of what it can cause.