Prologue (1-99) - Antigone and Ismene
The play opens with the prologue consisting of dialogue between Antigone and
her sister Ismene. What is the dramatic purpose of the prologue? What problem
does Antigone report to her sister (21 ff.)? What does Antigone intend to do?
What is Ismene's reaction to this intention (49-68)? What is Ismene's view of the
relationship between men and women (61-62)? Briefly analyze the
characterization of these two women in the prologue. What dramatic purpose
does the character of Ismene serve?
In the Greek text the word, philos, which can loosely be translated as 'friend', is
frequently used by the two sisters (10; 73; 99) in the prologue. Philos is related to
the verb philein 'to love' and can be used as we use the word "friend", but also
can be applied to a blood relative and therefore often means something like our
"loved one". To whom does Antigone apply this term in the prologue (73)? How
far is Antigone prepared to go on behalf of her loved one (72-73)? Why does
Antigone, employing an oxymoron3, say that she will "do holy things criminally"
when she refers to her proposed deed (74)? What conflict of values is
represented in this phrase?
3An
oxymoron is a rhetorical figure of speech, which joins two contradictory terms for paradoxical
effect, as in "a wise fool". The word itself is a combination of two Greek words meaning 'sharpdull'.
Parodos (100-161)
Although the events described in the parodos are presented rather obscurely in
poetic language as is characteristic of choral songs, can you summarize in a
general way in one or two sentences what the Chorus is describing? The "man
who had come from Argos" refers in a collective sense to the Argive army which
supported Polyneices in his attack on Thebes. Which side in the war does the
Chorus favor and why?
First Episode (162-331) - Creon, Chorus and Guard
Creon in his first appearance in the play delivers a long speech outlining the
philosophy that guides his actions and his edict (162-210). What human
institution does Creon believe to be most important in life? Compare his beliefs
with those of Antigone. On what specific points does Creon contradict Antigone
(182-183; 187-188; 209-210)? Note the language of Creon's edict (206-207).
What character in a work read earlier this term used similar language with
reference to a denial of burial?
What is the Chorus's initial attitude toward Creon's decree (211-214)? What is
the dramatic purpose of the character of the Guard? How is he characterized in
this scene? What view of Creon does the Guard present to us (228-236)? What
is Creon's reaction to the Guard's news (280-314)?
First Stasimon (332-372)
The first stasimon, often referred to as the "Ode to Man", is one of the most
famous choral songs in Attic Tragedy. The Chorus begins by singing: "There are
many wondrous things and yet nothing is more wondrous than man" (332). The
Greek word for "wondrous" is deinos, which is ambiguous in its meaning. It can
also mean "terrible" (i.e., "producing fear"). The Chorus obviously intends the
meaning "wondrous" when it praises man for his mastery of nature by the
development of civilized skills. This praise of man's achievement of civilization is
undoubtedly inspired by Sophistic anthropological accounts of man's cultural
development as a result of his own efforts. Like the Sophists, the Chorus views
human progress in an optimistic way.
Make a list of man's civilized skills as enumerated by the Chorus.4 According to
the Chorus is there any limitation to man's mastery of nature (359)? Does it view
man's cleverness as unambiguously "wondrous" or is there also something
"terrible" about it (368)? Explain your answer briefly. To whom is the Chorus
referring in the last stanza of the ode when it sings: "whoever due to daring
cherishes evil is without a city" (370-371)? Who appears on-stage immediately
after this ode? Connect the appearance of this character with what the chorus
sings in the last stanza of the "Ode to Man".
4Note
that Creon consistently uses metaphors (images) which link him with these skills and with
civilization in general (189; 293; 476-478; 569). On the other hand, Antigone and the resistance to
Creon's edict is generally represented by images connected with nature (423-425; 712-717; 825830). Why do you think that Sophocles organized his imagery in this way? What meaning does
this organization of imagery suggest for the Antigone?
Second Episode (373-581) - Guard, Antigone, Creon, Chorus and Ismene
The second episode presents the face-to-face confrontation of the two
antagonists, Antigone and Creon. What is the attitude of the Chorus and the
Guard with regard to the capture of Antigone (373; 437-438)? How does
Antigone defend her defiance of the edict (450-455)? How does Antigone view
the relationship between laws made by man and those created by the gods?
What is Creon's view of the relationship between man and woman and the
relative importance of blood ties vs. the ties of citizenship (484-485; 522; 525)?
How does this contrast with Antigone's view of the same? What is Antigone's
attitude with regard to her deed (502-503)? with regard to Ismene's attempt to
share responsibility for the deed (538-560)?
Second Stasimon (582-625)
After the confrontation between Creon and Antigone, the Chorus sings of the
misfortune that has come to Antigone and Ismene, who have been condemned
to death. The Chorus puts this tragedy in the context of the calamities suffered by
the House of Labdacus (592), the grandfather of Oedipus who killed his father
and married his mother and whose sons, Polyneices and Eteocles, killed each
other in a dynastic struggle. Who brought these disasters on the House of
Labdacus (584-601)? Why has this family suffered so much and made such
disastrous mistakes? (613-625)?
Third Episode (626-780) - Creon, Haemon and Chorus
How would the Athenian audience have received Creon's statement to his son
Haemon: "It is necessary to obey him whom the city puts in charge even in small
matters, whether they are just or unjust" (666-667)? How does the Chorus view
this statement (681-682)? According to Haemon, what is the reaction of the
common people to Creon's decree of death for Antigone (692-695)? What advice
does Haemon give to Creon (707-711)? What is the point that Haemon is
attempting to make to Creon by the analogies of the tree and the ship (712-717)?
What criticisms does Haemon make of Creon (731-745)? What threat does
Haemon make (751)? Why does Creon change Antigone's punishment from
public stoning (36) to burial alive in a cave (773-780; see also 888-890)?
What is the main theme of this brief ode to Love? Since choral odes generally
comment upon the action of the previous episode, explain what connection this
song has with the preceding scene. Can you find any lesson for Creon in this
ode?
Fourth Episode (801-943) - Antigone, Chorus and Creon
What new side of Antigone's character do we see in the kommos which begins
the fourth episode (808-882)? Antigone compares herself to Niobe (Tantalus's
daughter) who because of her grief turned to stone (825-826). What does
Antigone say that she and Niobe have in common (831)? What difference and
similarity between the two does the Chorus see (832-836)? Antigone's statement
in 905-912 has disturbed many critics of this play. For this reason, this passage
has been seen by some as an interpolation made soon after Sophocles' death.5
Other critics defend the authenticity of this passage by saying that these words
are not as unfeeling as they seem: Antigone, on one hand, is talking about a real
brother, who is now dead, and, on the other, a husband she has not yet married
and children who do not yet exist. Which interpretation do you agree with? Why?
5This
passage was in the text of the Antigone used by Aristotle in the fourth century.
Fourth Stasimon (944-987)
The fourth stasimon presents three mythical examples which comment upon
Antigone's situation. What do the first two mythic personages, Danae and
Lycurgus (the son of Dryas), have in common with Antigone (944-963)? The third
example, Cleopatra, may have also shared the same characteristic with
Antigone, but it is not mentioned. According to C.M. Bowra (Sophoclean
Tragedy, Oxford, 1944, 105), these examples may indicate the doubts the
Chorus has about Antigone. The Chorus has been alarmed by her defiant
behavior, but it also has been impressed by her heroism. Bowra writes: "The
three stories seem to suggest different interpretations of what is happening and
to hint that any one of them may be right." Examine each example carefully and
determine whether it puts Antigone in a favorable or unfavorable light.
Fifth Episode (988-1114) - Teiresias, Creon and Chorus
The fifth episode brings the appearance of the blind prophet Teiresias. What
dramatic purpose does the character of Teiresias serve? What omens does
Teiresias report (999-1011)? What do these omens mean (1023-1033; 10651090)? What is Creon's initial reaction to Teiresias's report (1034-1047)? How is
this reaction characteristic of Creon (see 294-303)? Why does Creon finally
change his mind about Teiresias (1065-1067; 1091-1093)? What course of action
does the Chorus recommend to Creon (1100-1101)? What is Creon's reaction to
this recommendation (1105-1106; 1108-1112)? What has Creon learned about
law (1113-1114)?
Hyporchema (1115-1151)
Why in the hyporchema6does the Chorus choose to pray to Dionysus at this
critical moment rather than to any other god? What request does it make of the
god (1140-1142)?
6An
unusual feature of the structure of the Antigone is the substitution of a lively dance-song
called a hyporchema for the more stately rhythms of what would have been the fifth stasimon.
The optimistic tone of the hyporchema has been occasioned by Creon's change of heart and is
meant to emphasize by contrast the horror of Antigone's death and Creon's misfortune in the next
scene.
Exodos (1155 to end) - Messenger, Chorus, Eurydice and Creon
Is the prayer of the Chorus in the hyporchema answered positively or negatively
in the exodos? Why do you think that Creon goes to bury Polyneices first rather
than to Antigone's cave, as he said he was going to do in the previous scene?
What does Creon find when he arrives at the cave (1192-1225)? What is the
result of Creon's confrontation with Haemon (1228-1241)? In his kommos Creon
gives voice to one of the traditional themes of tragedy. See if you can identify this
theme in 1271-1275. Why did Eurydice commit suicide (1301-1305)? What moral
lesson does the Chorus see in the fate of Creon at the close of the play (13471353)?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - ANTIGONE BY SOPHOCLES
Prologue
1. Why does the play open with a mention of the tragedy of Oedipus?
2. Do Antigone's convictions about burying Polyneices mean that she
disliked her other brother, Eteocles?
3. What are the main differences between Antigone and Ismene, in terms of
personality?
4. How might Antigone's defiance be related to her former job - leading
Oedipus around the world in his exile?
5. Why does Antigone say, "If that is what you think, I should not want
you, even if you asked to come."? (p. 192)
6. Do you think Ismene feels the same way Antigone does about
Polyneices, despite her reluctance to do anything?
7. Ismene says, "Impossible things should not be tried at all?" (p.
193) Is what Antigone plans to do really impossible?
8. Antigone says that the worst death is "death without honor." What might
this be a reference to (especially within her own family)?
Scene I
1. How is the way the people see Creon at the beginning of Scene I
similar to the way the people used to see Oedipus?
2. In his long speech, Creon says "no Ruler can expect complete
loyalty from his subjects until he has been tested in office." (p. 196)
However, what is the justification he uses to say that he must be obeyed?
3. Why do you think Creon seems to preoccupied with revolt and
strife?
4. "Only a crazy man is in love with death!" (Choragos, p. 198) How
might this statement apply to Creon.
5. Respond: "There's nothing in the world so demoralizing as money."
(Creon, p. 201)
6. Why do you think the Sentry is afraid to tell Creon that
Polyneices has been buried? Are his fears justified?
7. Why does Creon accuse the Sentry of the crime of burying Polyneices?
8. How do you think this line might be prophetic: "How dreadful it is when
the right judge judges wrong!" (Sentry, p. 203)
9. Just judging from the first scene, how has Creon changed from the man
he was in Oedipus Rex?
Scene II
1. On page 205, the Sentry who comes to see Creon says, "A man should
never be too sure of anything." What else might this statement mean,
within the context of the play?
2. Why is Antigone not ashamed when she has to go before Creon and
confess?
3. Choragos, speaking about Antigone, says "Like father, like daughter:
both headstrong, deaf to reason!" (p. 209) How is this statement true? How
is it not true?
4. Is Creon's decision to also arrest Ismene a smart move against
potential anarchy, or is it merely a vindictive act?
5. How does Creon say Antigone's act dishonors Eteocles? How does Antigone
respond to this?
6. Why does Ismene attempt to assume guilt alongside Antigone? Why doesn't
Antigone let her?
7. What does Antigone mean when she says, "Words are not friends."? What
do you think it means?
Scene III
1. Creon asks, "If I permit my own family to rebel, how shall I earn the
world's obedience?" (p. 217) Do you think he's more concerned with ruling
well or appearing to rule well?
2. How does Haimon gradually try to persuade his father?
3. According to Haimon, does the city agree with Creon's actions?
4. Respond to this quote: "It is not reason never to yield to reason!"
(Haimon, p.219)
5. How does Haimon defend himself against Creon's verbal attack?
6. How is the interaction between Creon and Haimon in this scene similar
to the one between Oedipus and Creon in Scene II of Oedipus Rex?
7. What are the fundamental differences in Creon and Haimon's viewpoints?
8. How is their rift between Creon and Haimon similar to that between
Creon and Antigone?
Scene IV
1. Does Antigone have any regrets in Scene IV?
2. Antigone mentions the curse on her father on page 226. Why is it
appropriate for her to allude to it at this point in the play?
3. Why do you think the Chorus seems to be siding with Creon in its
dialogue with Antigone?
4. Antigone prays that Creon's punishment "equal my own." (p. 228) Based
on what happened in Scene III, how do you think this will come true?
Scene V
1. Creon appears to revere Tiresias as the scene opens. How does this
change?
2. Tiresias says, "A good man yields when he knows his course is wrong and
repairs his evil. The only crime is pride." (p. 232) Do you agree? Does
Creon agree?
3. How could the quote mentioned in Question #2 also apply to Oedipus in
Oedipus Rex?
4. How is the way Creon attacks Tiresias similar to the way that Oedipus
did in Scene I of Oedipus Rex?
5. Creon says of Tiresias, "The generation of prophets has always loved
gold." Tiresias responds by saying, "The generation of kings has always
loved brass." (p. 233) What does Tiresias's response mean? How does it
especially apply to Creon?
6. Why do you think Creon finally changes his mind? Knowing what you know
about Greek tragedy, do you think he will be in time to prevent anything
horrible from happening?
Exodos
1. What imagery used in Exodos is reminiscent of themes from Oedipus Rex?
Cite examples.
2. Respond to this quote: "Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of
dust." (Creon, p. 245)
3. How were the events which occur in Exodos foreshadowed earlier in the
play?
4. How are the last four lines of Antigone similar to the last four lines
of Oedipus Rex?
Setting
The drama begins at dawn, after a night in which there has been a war in Thebes between
armies led by the two sons of Oedipus. Keep in mind that the Greek theater was in the
open air, and that the first performances of the day would begin at daybreak. Thu s,
imagine that the time of day of the setting would be identical to the performance time.
1-116
As you read the first scene, consider the gravity of the city's condition and how aware
Antigone seems of it.
Throughout the play, Antigone and Creon will talk much about friends and enemies.
Think about what each means by these terms. In general, Antigone and Creon tend to use
the same words but mean different things by them. For example, consider Antigone's re
ference to being a "traitor" (57). This is a political term; does Antigone mean a traitor to
the city, or to something else? Compare with Creon at 580.
Why does Antigone assume that Creon's order is directed against her and Ismene? When
Creon appears later, consider whether his conduct and language in fact supports her
assumption.
Do you sympathize at all with Ismene's caution? Does Antigone treat her fairly?
Why is Antigone so concerned with glory (113)? Should she be?
How old do you think Antigone is?
117-78
After the initial dialogue the Chorus emerges for their first choral ode (stasimon), which
concerns the previous night's battle. Contrast the picture of Polynices drawn there with
Antigone's earlier discussion of her brother; does your opinion of h im, and of Antigone's
position, change at all?
The chorus evokes Dionysus (171), the first of several times this god is mentioned. Why
should the chorus call upon Dionysus? Look up Dionysus.
179-376
Creon enters. It is very important that you do not project Creon's later conduct back into
his first speech. Read this speech carefully, consider his values and beliefs, and ask
yourself whether there is anything wrong with his principles, whether in Gree k terms or
your own. Later, compare Creon's subsequent actions with the principles he articulates
here.
Throughout this scene, pay close attention to the assumptions Creon makes about gender.
When Creon talks about the gods and the law (317ff), is he talking about the same types
of gods as Antigone does?
How would you compare Creon's speech with Pericles' Funeral Oration? Do Creon's
ideas resemble Pericles? (And his Antigone more like her father or Sappho?
377-416
Second stasimon, perhaps the most famous choral ode in Greek tragedy. What image of
man does this ode present? In this vision, what is human greatness? What are the limits of
human ability and action? When can a daring man get into trouble?
Choral odes often generalize a given problem specific to the play's action into a statement
about human life as a whole. Is that the case here? If so, then is the chorus alluding to
Antigone, or to Creon, or to both?
417-655
Why is Creon so surprised when the Sentry brings in Antigone?
Antigone is compared to a mother bird (471ff), not the last time she is referred to as
maternal in this play. Is there anything strange or ironic about Antigone being represented
as a mother?
Antigone's defense to Creon (499-524) is very important, so read it carefully.
Ismene defends Antigone and asks Creon how he could kill his own son's bride (641).
Has there been any reference to this relationship before?
656-700
Contrast this stasimon with the previous one. Is this ode's thought and tone similar or
different? What, if anything, has changed?
701-878
Compare the Creon in this scene with the one who first entered the play. Has he changed
at all in language or conduct?
To what does Haemon appeal in his attempt to save Antigone?
Does Haemon threaten his father, as Creon thinks (842)?
Why does Creon chose the particular method of execution that he does (870-8)? What
does it say about him?
879-94
The ancient Greeks had two words for "love"; philia, meaning something like
"friendship", and eros, which has more to do with passion. When the chorus talks about
"love" in the ode, which of the two do they mean? And why is the chorus gener alizing
about love here?
895-1034
Note the chorus' reference to Antigone's "bridal vault" (899). What do they mean by
referring to a wedding chamber? This will be an important image in the last part of the
play. Antigone becomes a "Bride of Death" (or "Bride of Hades"). To understand the
importance of this metaphor, you might benefit from reading the Hymn to Demeter,
which tells the story of Demeter and Persephone. Strangely, the maternal imagery
continues with Antigone as well, as she tries to compare herself with Niobe (915). After
reading about Niobe, consider what Antigone does and does not share with that mythical
figure..
How would you characterize the chorus' exchange with Antigone here?
Consider Antigone's speech which begins at line 978. Is this speech consistent with what
she has argued before?
Is Antigone's faith in the gods wavering here?
1035-89
Consider what these myths have in common with each other, and with the story of the
play at this point.
1090-1237
What does the failure of Tiresias' sacrifice have to do with Polynices and Antigone?
What, specifically, in Tiresias' warnings leads Creon to change his mind?
1238-72
Why does the chorus call on Dionysus in this ode?
1273-End
Why does Antigone chose to commit suicide? Does it suggest her mother's death, or is
there an important difference?
Creon's wife is only on stage momentarily, yet she plays a key role in Creon's disaster.
What does her suicide mean to him?
Is Creon a tragic figure? Do you feel sympathy for him at the end as someone who
initially tried to do good yet was overwhelmed by circumstance, or do you believe that he
is a bullying, misogynistic control-freak who gets what he deserves? Try to compe up
with arguments for both sides. Could the play have been called Creon, instead?
Conversely, what, specifically, makes Antigone a tragic figure? Think about what,
exactly, you mean by such words as "tragedy" and "tragic".