Introduction to Antigone
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The theater- Greek drama was part of
religious festival. Originally for Dionysis
Actors- all roles were played by men wearing
large masks, extravagant robes, and platform
shoes. Sophocles used three.
Chorus- Commented on the play’s action and
consisted of around 15 men.
The tragic Hero- a tragedy recounts the
downfall of a dignified character, usually of
noble birth. Possesses tragic flaw that theads
to a catastrophe.
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visualize the play
Analyze what motivates the tragic hero and
what makes him a nobleman.
Examine conflict and determine causes
The chorus acts as a conscience
DETERMINE WHAT THE PLAY SHOWS IS
IMPORTANT TO THE CULTURE IN WHICHIT
WAS ORIGINALLY PERFORMED!
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The role of fate- cursed house of Thebes
The role of women- typical – Ismene vs.
atypical – Antigone
The role of government- Who’s law is higher
the gods or the kings?
Natural rights- Every human being is entitled
to basic rights
Suicide- In ancient Greece it was a valid
option
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Dramatic Irony
Verbal Irony
Situational Irony
Elements of tragedy
Tragic Hero
Forshadowing
Mood
Figurative language
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Stay the same all throughout literature in every society.
The Hero- the life of the protagonist can be clearly divided
into a series of will-marked adventures which strongly
suggest a ritualistic pattern:
Mother is a virgin; unusual conception
At birth an attempt is made to kill him
Orphan
Upon reaching manhood, returns to his future kingdom
Overpowers beast or marries princess
Loses favor with the gods, is driven from the city
Meets a mysterious death
Body is not buried, usually one or more holy sepulchers
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Came from a rich family near Athens
Excellent education
Most plays are really optimistic
He saw men ad powerful, reactional, creative
beings, the masters of the world around them
and proud creations of the god.
Peloponnesian War affected literature
Wrote over 100 plays in his life, but only 7
survived
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Based on events that already took place and
with which the audience is familiar
The protagonist is a person of noble birth
and stature
The protagonist has a weakness, and because
of it, becomes isolated and suffers a
downfall.
The audience pities him.
The fallen protagonist gains self-knowledge.
Audience experiences a series of emotions.
Drama unfolds quickly
Daughter of Oedipus
Married his mother- Jocasta
They had four kids
Polyneices
Eteocles
Antigone
Ismene
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Fortold that son’s would kill each other
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Nothing good would come to his children
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Brothers fought for Thebes and both died
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Creon became king
Eteocles buried like a hero
Polynices lay outside the city, unburied!
Antigone was upset about this because without
a proper burial a person could not pass on.