by Sophocles Name ____________________________
Guided Reading Check
Answer the following comprehension questions.
Mod ________
1. A major idea introduced in the Prologue is the laws of state vs. the laws of religion.
What Moral Dilemma is Antigone faced with?
2. Why is this considered a Moral Dilemma?
3. What information does the Chorus supply about what has happened before the opening of the play?
4. What news does the sentry bring to Creon? Why is this news upsetting to Creon?
5. What is Creon’s decree?
6. What is the punishment for violating Creon’s decree?
7. Why do you think he chose such a harsh penalty?
8. What can we say about the relationship of pride to Antigone? What about Creon?

9. What does Antigone want Ismene to help her do? What choice does Ismene make and why does she choose this?
10. What do the decisions Antigone made say about her beliefs in law vs. honor? What about Ismene? a. Antigone b. Ismene
11. Ode I is a very famous passage in literature. What does this ode say about man?
12. What further news does the sentry bring Creon?
13. How does the sentry feel about bringing Antigone to Creon?
14. What reason does Antigone give Creon for defying his law?
15. How does her response contribute to the tension of the play?
16. Why does Antigone refuse to agree that Ismene had any part in the burial of
Polynices?
17. Creon thinks the two sisters are “aimed at his throne”. Why does he think so?

18.
What is Antigone’s tragic flaw?
19. What character from a previous reading can Antigone be compared to?
20. Explain the message in Ode II.
21. What do we learn about Creon and Antigone at the end of Scene II that deepen the complexity of their characters?
22.
Explain Creon’s message to his son.
23. What is Haimon’s response to his father?
24. What is Creon’s reaction to Haimon’s words?
25.What is Haimon’s stance on law vs. religion?
25. Ode III is an ode to love. Put the message into your own words.

26. In Scene IV, what does the Chorus say has destroyed Antigone?
27. Do you agree with the chorus? Support your answer.
28. How do the stories told in Ode IV pertain to Scene IV?
29. Think about the major conflict in this play. Is the conflict between good and evil, or between two “goods”?
30. What does Creon decided to do at the end of Scene V?
31. What is Creon’s reaction to the tragedy?
32. What further tragic news does the messenger bring?
33. Explain the message at the end of the play.
34. How does Antigone define the Greek definition of a tragedy?