Antigone: Authorial Choices
Sophocles uses this structural element to comment on the action and guide audience interpretation.
What is the Chorus?
The central conflict between Antigone and Creon represents this larger tension.
What is divine law vs. human law?
Satrapi’s use of black-and-white imagery most directly contributes to this effect.
What is stark contrast (or moral/emotional clarity)?
This is the event the book is based on.
What is the Iranian Revolution of 1979?
A strong HL essay must maintain a clear and focused version of this.
What is LOI?
Dramatic irony is created because the audience already knows this about Antigone’s fate.
What is that she will die (her tragic outcome is inevitable)?
Creon’s downfall is largely driven by this tragic flaw.
What is hubris (excessive pride)?
The child perspective creates this type of narrative effect for readers.
What is limited understanding with deeper irony (or innocence contrasted with reality)?
Marji’s identity is shaped by tension between these two cultural influences.
What are Iranian and Western cultures?
This is the term used when extremely exaggerated.
What is hyperbole?
Creon’s dialogue often uses rigid, absolute language—this reveals this aspect of his characterization.
What is his authoritarianism (or inflexibility/pride)?
Antigone’s actions can be interpreted as morally justified, even if illegal—this connects to this concept.
What is civil disobedience?
Panels that lack detailed backgrounds often emphasize this.
What is emotional focus (or internal experience over setting)?
Marji is required to wear this at school after the revolution.
What is the veil?
The author's attitude.
What is tone?
Sophocles contrasts Antigone and Ismene to emphasize this broader idea about human response to power.
What is resistance vs. compliance (or individual vs. societal expectations)?
From an IB lens, fate in Antigone can be seen as interacting with this human quality.
What is free will (or personal agency)?
When Satrapi juxtaposes humor with serious events, she develops this complex tone.
What is ironic/bittersweet tone (or dark humor)?
This theme is shown through Marji’s changing identity over time.
What is coming of age?
This is the philosophical branch that deals with existence precedes essence.
What is existenailism?
This is the blind prophet.
Who is Tiresias?
A sophisticated interpretation would argue that the play ultimately critiques not just individuals, but this system.
What is rigid systems of power/governance (or unchecked authority)?
Marji often argues with authority figures because she values this.
What is freedom?
The government in Persepolis limits people’s freedoms, showing this theme.
What is oppression?
A character who contrasts with another to highlight key traits.
What is a FOIL?