Antigone
STUDY GUIDE with answers
Prologue:
Vocabulary
eddy – current
heed – pay attention to
hence – away
orb – sphere or planet
piety – holiness or devotion
pinion – feather
stay – stop
unsepulchred – not buried
wrought – produced
1. What new suffering must Antigone and Ismene endure?
Creon has ordered that their brother, Polynices, is not to be given a proper burial.
2. Contrast Ismene and Antigone in terms of their character traits.
Antigone is determined, willful, ready to face death. She does what she believes is right
to
protect her honor. Ismene is passive, obedient, and feels she is powerless against the
state.
3. What does Antigone plan to do? Why? What consequences will she face?
She will bury her brother because it is the will of the gods that a family gives its
members a
proper burial. She will face the punishment of death for disobeying Creon’s order.
4. What background information does the chorus provide as they express gratitude for
the
peace in Thebes?
Polynices formed an army and attacked Thebes. His brother Eteocles stayed loyal to
Creon
and fought against Polynices. In the battle, the brothers “against each other…laid
lances at
aim” and both died. (Pg. 7)
T-2
Scene I:
Vocabulary
fratricide – the murder of one’s brother
hapless – unfortunate or ill-fated
interred – buried
nought/naught – nothing
prating – talking continually about insignificant things
progeny – offspring or descendents
rites – rituals or ceremonies
rue – to regret
vain – futile or useless
1. What is Creon’s attitude toward the chorus?
He is respectful and promises to be a good ruler.
2. Explain the elaborate metaphor Creon uses to describe the country and the King’s
role as its
leader on pages 7-8. How could this image be an example of foreshadowing?
He compares the country to a ship, and the king to the captain of the ship or “pilot of the
state.” The recent troubles are a “stormy surge,” but the victory has returned the country
to an “even keel.” The organization and stability of government is an “ark of safety” on
which he and the citizens of Thebes can navigate the “seas” of life successfully. This
could
be foreshadowing one of two possible outcomes: as a ship’s fate is determined by the
skill
of her captain, the fate of the country will be good or ill depending on Creon’s skills as a
king. If he is a good captain, the ship will be safe; if not, the ship could sink.
3. Why does Creon order that Eteocles be buried with great honors but that Polynices’
body
be left to rot on the battlefield where it lay?
His intent is to honor the noble Eteocles and to dishonor the traitor Polynices.
4. How does Creon justify his order not to bury Polynices?
Polynices, unburied, will serve as an example to others not to attack their homeland.
5. What is Antigone’s most notable characteristic in this scene?
She is determined, or some might say, headstrong. Brave or foolhardy, she is loyal and
devoted to her brothers.
6. Why is it so important to Antigone that she give Polynices a burial?
His soul cannot find peace until the body is buried, according the Greek beliefs.
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7. Describe Ismene’s personality.
She is somewhat timid compared to Antigone. She accepts things as they are and
obeys the
rules.
8. How does Ismene feel about Antigone?
She admires Antigone’s loyalty and courage, but also thinks she is hot-headed.
9. For what reason has Creon called the chorus to the palace to speak with them?
He wants to be assured by them that they will back the course of action he has taken
regarding his refusal to bury Polynices’ body.
10. How does Creon see himself in regard to his duty to the state?
He sees himself as one who puts his duty first, above all other considerations.
11. What news does the sentry bring? How does Creon treat the sentry?
Someone has buried Polynices. Creon refuses to believe that this man does not know
who
did it. Creon accuses him of taking bribes and threatens to torture him on the rack if he
does
not confess.
12. What character traits does Creon show in this scene?
He is suspicious, intent on protecting his power, and unwilling to listen.
13. Why does Creon become angry with the chorus?
The chorus leader suggests that Polynices’ burial might have been the work of the
gods.
This comment angers Creon because he thinks it a stupid thing to say that the gods
would
honor one who had attacked his own city.
14. What is Creon’s belief regarding money and corruption? Do you agree with him?
He feels that in the end money corrupts everyone. Even an honest man may be
corrupted if
the price is right.
15. What comment is the chorus making about mankind? Consider the following
conclusion to
which they come: “But he that, too rashly daring, walks in sin / In solitary pride to his
life’s end.”
They praise the capabilities of humans and point out that people who act rashly are
sometimes guilty of excessive pride.
T-4
Scene II:
Vocabulary
aught – anything
daunted –
deem – to think or believe
discernment – observance or detection
intimidated – or frightened
sire – father or male ancestor
smitten – having been struck sharply or heavily
taxed – charged or confronted
tyranny – oppression
uncensured – not condemned or criticizedored:
whence – from what place or source
1. What does the sentry report this time? What mixed feelings does he have?
He caught Antigone covering her dead brother with dirt. He is sorry to cause trouble for
her
because she never hurt him, but he values his own life more than he does hers.
2. Explain the metaphor in the following quote: “Truly I could have sworn / It
would be long indeed ere I came hither / Under that hail of threats you rained on me.”
(Pg.
15) What effect does the comparison have on Creon’s characterization?
The sentinel is saying that Creon’s threats were so harsh and intense that they were like
a
storm in which hail rained down from the sky. The comparison highlights Creon’s brash,
unrelenting nature and violent personality.
3. What does Antigone make clear to Creon?
She knew of his order but chose to disobey it because it was against the orders of
heaven.
She did not want to live if it meant living with the torment of leaving her brother
unburied.
4. What is the chorus’ opinion of Antigone?
She has her father’s stubborn spirit; she must be broken and to obey the law or die.
5. Creon asks Antigone, “Do [the people] fear my anger or my justice?” What does
Antigone
respond?
She laughs at his justice. She says that because he is a tyrant, he cannot make “just
laws.”
6. When Creon asks Antigone her opinion about rewards and punishments in the next
life,
how does she answer his question?
She does not answer the question; she ignores the point.
T-5
7. When Ismene tries to take part of the blame/credit, Antigone refuses to let her. Do
you
think that Antigone is trying to shield her sister from harm, or is she so stubborn and
headstrong that she would not let Ismene take any of the credit because Ismene
refused to
become involved when Antigone had first asked her?
Answers may vary.
8. How does Creon treat Ismene and Antigone? What does he decide to do with them?
He is cruel and merciless, calling them “vipers, ...traitors plotting against my throne,
...crazed.” They will both be killed.
9. Give another example of Creon’s insensitivity.
In spite of the pleas of the chorus, he will kill his son’s bride. He refuses to consider his
son’s love for Antigone by saying, in effect, that there are other fields for him to plow,
i.e.,
other women for him to love.
He is also contemptuous of women when he says, “Take them, and keep them within —
the
proper place for women.”
10. What comment does the chorus make about life and about the power of the gods?
Nothing can stop the curse of the gods; the family of Oedipus seems to have this curse.
People who live “greatly“ seem to suffer “greatly.”
T-6
Scene III:
Vocabulary
bely – contradict
carrion – dead and rotting flesh
discretion – good judgment
erring – making a mistake
reason – logic or wisdom
revile – to insult or condemn
seer – a prophet or fortune-teller
sway – authority or influence
taint – a blemish, defect or flaw
traversing – opposing or impeding
1. When Haemon arrives, what is the first question that Creon asks him?
Creon wants to know if Haemon comes as a loving son supporting his father or as a
lovesick
youth, who is angry at his father.
2. In the discussion that follows, in what direction does Haemon try to lead the
conversation?
Haemon tries not to openly disagree with his father, but it is obvious that he wants his
father
to change the death sentence.
3. Haemon tells Creon that in some cities they are speaking of individual freedom and
giving
everyone the right to speak his thoughts. Why is Creon opposed to this?
He believes that individual freedom will lead to a breakdown in law and order. In
essence,
he believes that authority must be unquestioned.
4. What is the reason Creon gives when he claims it is necessary for him to condemn
Antigone?
If she got away with defying his orders, then everyone else would, too. That would lead
to
the collapse of all authority and order.
5. What further points does Creon make to his son?
Creon feels:
a. a father’s enemies should be a son’s enemies;
b. a disobedient, traitorous wife would only bring him shame;
c. it would be unmanly to be beaten by a woman.
T-7
6. What counterpoints does Haemon make to his father?
Haemon is of the belief that:
a. public sympathy is with Antigone;
b. people fear Creon, so they do not openly express their disapproval;
c. Creon should not be ruled by his first thought and his anger; he should consider other
points of view;
d. a wise man knows to yield when he is wrong, listen to the advice of others,
and realize that he does not have infallible wisdom.
7. What opinion does the chorus express?
“Both have spoken well.” (Pg. 27)
8. When Creon refuses to listen to his son and they continue to argue, what does Creon
reveal
about himself?
Creon has become a tyrant; he will not consider the will of his people. He is even willing
to
be a dictator to his son, rather than overcome excessive pride.
9. Do you agree with Haemon that an act of disobedience, if it is an honorable act, is to
be
admired?
Answers will vary.
10. What threats does Haemon make to his father?
Antigone will not die alone. Creon will never see him again.
11. What does Creon tell the chorus he plans to do?
He will not put Ismene to death, but Antigone will be walled up inside a cave.
12. Why does Creon decide on this method for Antigone’s death?
If she starves to death, the gods cannot blame Thebes for her death.
13. What does the chorus praise? For what do they pray?
They praise love, and they pray to Aphrodite to work on all in the house.
T-8
14. The quote beginning “O Love…” is an example of what literary device?
The quote is an example of apostrophe.
15. What does the chorus suggest brought on Antigone’s trouble?
She made the choice to die; perhaps it was her ambition or arrogance that caused her
to trip
on the foot of fate. Or, perhaps, the gods are punishing her for the sins of her father,
Oedipus.
Scene IV:
Vocabulary
bale – woe or sorrow
catacomb – a tomb
despite – contempt
fetter – a chain or shackle
hallowed – sacred or holy
libations – offerings or sacrifices
scions – descendents
sojourn – to stay or rest
wend – to proceed on one’s way
1. What is Antigone’s attitude toward the decree of Creon?
She is ready to face her lonely death. She wonders why no one in Thebes will support
her.
2. What does Antigone tell us is her only regret?
She is to die without ever having been married or without having given birth.
3. In this scene, what is Creon’s comment that makes him sound more and more like a
tyrant?
“Then for this/Her guards shall rue their slowness.” (Pg. 34) The guards will be executed
because they walk slowly behind Antigone as she heads for her entombment.
4. What is the chorus’ attitude toward Antigone?
a. They pity her and praise her.
b. They remind her she is unsupported because she has gone to the
“outermost limit” by acting against the king.
c. She is suffering for the sin of her father.
d. She is the victim of her own self-will: “But thee thine own infatuate mood o’er threw.”
(Pg. 32)
T-9
5. Explain the chorus’ statement about Antigone, “Still the same storms possess her
with the
same precipitance of spirit.” (Pg. 34)
Antigone is still raging against the injustice that she must face. She asks, “What
celestial
right did I transgress?” (Pg. 34)
6. The chorus compares Antigone to other defiant, strong-willed people. What does the
chorus see as the result of this kind of behavior?
They all suffer a harsh punishment.
Scene V:
Vocabulary
altar-hearths – platforms on which sacrifices were burned
augury – foreseeing or foretelling future events through unusual occurrences or
phenomena
covetous – greedy
hearken – listen
manifest – plainly or noticeably
oracles – predictions or revelations
prescience – insight into the future
sacrilege – disrespect or irreverence
utterance – speech
1. Explain the metaphor in Tiresias’ statement to Creon, “Now again / Think, thou dost
walk
on fortune’s razor-edge.” (Pg. 37) How is this a warning to Creon?
Fortune is described as having the sharp edge of a razor. It is not always good, but can
wound a person, as well. Also, one’s fortunes are precarious, as though one were
balancing on a thin edge. Tiresias warns that Creon needs to be thoughtful and proceed
carefully because his fortunes could change in an instant and he could be ruined.
2. Why has Tiresias come? What opinion does Tiresias express to Creon?
He has had a sign from heaven that it is wrong to put Antigone to death. He says,
“Wound
not the life that’s perished. Where’s thy valor/In slaying o’er the slain?” (Pg. 38).”
3. What have the birds to do with Tiresias?
From that incident, Tiresias concludes that it would be wrong for Creon to execute
Antigone.
4. How does Creon react to Tiresias’ advice?
He refuses to take the blind soothsayer’s advice. Creon says Tiresias’ wisdom is false,
and
that Tiresias is only seeking an advantage.
T - 10
5. Of what does Creon accuse Tiresias?
Creon claims the old man is making up stories just to get gold and money.
6. What warnings does Tiresias give Creon?
a. Creon will pay with two deaths for the two deaths he causes. One death will
be Creon’s son.
b. The avenging Furies are waiting for Creon; the evil he has worked on
others will fall on him.
c. All the neighboring cities will be goaded to fury against Creon.
7. Identify and explain the simile that appears twice in this scene.
Creon accuses Tiresias of shooting arrows at him “like archers at a mark” (Pg. 39) and
later, Tiresias replies, “Such bolts, in wrath, since thou dar’st anger me, / I loosen at thy
bosom, archer-like, / Sure-aimed, whose burning smart thou shalt not shun.” (Pg. 40)
Creon says that Tiresias’ prophecy is simply a ploy to earn something for himself and
that
Creon is no more than a target. Because of Creon’s stubbornness and attack on
Tiresias’
character, the prophet says that he will share the rest of the prophecies, the news of the
impending deaths of two of his family members, of the awaiting Furies, and of the
uncertain
future of Thebes. Since Creon has unfairly accused Tiresias of shooting arrows at him
earlier, the prophet uses the same image when he actually is delivering destructive
news.
8. What is the effect of Tiresias’ warnings on Creon?
He is unsure, hesitant, and torn. He must now ask the chorus for advice.
9. How does the chorus advise Creon?
They tell him to free Antigone and bury Polynices.
10. Creon listens to the chorus, but is still reluctant to release Antigone. Why?
He feels he will look foolish and weak-willed.
11. Why does the chorus praise the gods?
They have healed the ills in Thebes.
T - 11
Scene VI:
Vocabulary
appease – to satisfy
corse – corpse
herald – a messenger
slain – killed
suppliant – one who begs
unwitting – accidentally
utterance – speech
wert – was
1. What news does the messenger bring about luck?
In life, everyone is going to have both good luck and bad luck, so it is foolish to envy
anyone’s good luck. Creon, for example, used to be enviable in his position, but now the
messenger says he is pitiable in his great loss.
2. How does Antigone end her imprisonment in the cave?
She hangs herself.
3. How does the audience hear about what happened to Haemon?
The audience overhears the messenger relate Haemon’s fate to the Queen.
4. What is Eurydice’s reaction?
She curses Creon and then kills herself offstage.
5. What is Creon’s attitude toward these events?
He takes full responsibility for them; he sees them as punishment from the gods for his
“stubborn will.”
6. Explain the final words, the judgment of the chorus.
Creon had no wisdom, he was proud, and was not submissive to the gods. It is more
important to follow the laws of heaven than the laws of man.