Essay #2: Antigone
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT: This essay asks you to delve into literary analysis in order to
analyze some aspect of Antigone.
POSSIBLE TOPICS from which you might develop a thesis (in each case remember that
you need to have an overall point – an original insight of your own). There are many other
possibilities. You are not limited to these.
A. Discuss the differences between Antigone and Ismene in their views of women in society.
How does each sister’s view shape the choices she makes in the play? How consistent is
each in her view? Be sure to cite specific quotes from the play to support your answers.
B. Look at Antigone, Ismene, Creon, and Haemon, and at what happenes to them and their
relationships. What do you think is the role of family ties in "Antigone?" Which is more
important to Sophocles, family or authority? Why? Be sure to cite specific quotes from
the play to support your answers.
C. Creon says to his son Haemon, "Therefore, we must defend the men who live by law,
never let some woman triumph over us. Better to fall from power, if fall we must, at the
hands of a man – never be rated inferior to a woman, never” (Sophocles, Antigone 757 762). How do you think this idea is dealt with in Antigone? What does the play say about
a woman's place in society? What ideas does it question? What ideas doesn't it question?
How do the two sisters, Antigone and Ismene, offer up different comparison points for
the play? Be sure to cite specific quotes from the play to support your answers.
D. "Unswerving submission to whomsoever the state has put in charge is what is asked."
Creon makes this statement concerning authority when talking to his son, Haemon. What
are the views of authority and power in this play expressed by different characters and
which view do you think comes out on top at the end of the play? Why? Be sure to cite
specific quotes from the play to support your answers.
E. Consider one of the following themes: Betrayal, disloyalty, and infidelity; The role of
women in society; Death, suicide, and murder; or Rebellion against authority and social
customs. How does Sophocles treat this theme? What lesson is to be learned from
Antigone about this theme? Does it (or can it) relate to modern American society? If so,
how? Be sure to cite specific quotes from the play to support your answers.
Specific Instructions:
 Must be between 750 and 1000 words – approximately 3 to 4 pages. (I am more
concerned with content rather than word count, but you must make sure you have
fully developed your argument.)
 Must use Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.
 Must use MLA style documentation format.
AACC at Arundel Mills
R. Schmitt, 3/3/2016, p. 1