GUIDANCE NOTES ON ‘ANTIGONE’ ESSAY
“All Drama revolves around conflict.” How does this statement apply to
‘Antigone’?
INTRODUCTION
Give an overview of the different types of conflict in the play (define ‘conflict’ as it
appears in the play, in effect).
Discuss the central importance of conflict in Drama, particularly tragedy, in
generating DRAMATIC TENSION, which moves the plot forward. Tragedy is also
predicated (based) upon irreconcilable conflicts (whereas in comedy, conflict is
ultimately resolved). Conflict is a generic requirement of tragedy, in fact.
Finally, you could identify the central conflict in the play- is it Creon and the gods
(human versus divine law)? Or Antigone versus an inexorable fate, or both? Or…
could the conflict be between extremism and wisdom, for both Creon and Antigone?
This would tie in with the final message of the play, announced by the chorus in its
concluding words.
FIRST PARAGRAPH
Analyse how conflict is rapidly established in the play. Sophocles introduces the
competing and diametrically opposed codes of state loyalty versus reverence for the
dead, whether they be traitors or not. He announces his position clearly in his opening
speech, in which his megalomania is concealed and which a contemporary Greek
audience would have agreed with. This follows Antigone’s transgression of his law by
offering her brother Polynices funeral rites. Thus the opposition between these two
characters, the central conflict in the play, is almost immediately introduced.
(Note use of STICHOMYTHIA between Ismene and Antigone and Antigone’s
absolute position, her extremism. Note also the imagery and PROPLEPTIC IRONY
in Creon’s speech.)
SECOND PARAGRAPH
Analyse how conflict (and dramatic tension) are sustained, through the direct conflict
between Creon and Antigone (STICHOMYTHIA, LINE SHARING, SHORT,
ABRUPT SENTENCES and a LACONIC SPEECH STYLE from Antigone,
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS from Creon). Note how their contradictory positions
are given in close conjunction (ANTITHESIS- i.e. opposite perspectives placed side
by side). Worth mentioning the storm the guards see as they prevent the body of
Polynices from being buried.
THIRD PARAGRAPH
Analyse the conflicts between Creon and the gods and Antigone and her implacable
fate.
Note Creon’s HUBRIS, the BLASPHEMOUS imagery he uses (e.g. the eagle
carrying its carrion to the very altar of Zeus), his encounters with Ismene, Haemon
and Tiresias and the SADISM he ememplifies when arguing with Haemon. Note the
role of the CHORUS here in generating expectation of Creon’s downfall, through
OMENS. Note Haemon’s mention of the city’s sympathy with Antigone and how
Creon reveals his megalomania and tyranny.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH
Antigone versus her fate. Look closely at her final valedictory speech, in which she
defines herself as a tragic heroine and reveals her true motivation. Note her use of
MYTHIC ALLUSIONS and PARALLELS, e.g. to Persephone and Niobe, to amplify
her fate and status.
FIFTH PARAGRAPH
Analyse Creon’s punishment, an expression of THEODICY, or divine justice. Note
what happens and how the destruction of his family links back to his words in his
initial speech, about the wise man governing his family well. Note what he learns
through his suffering also.
CONCLUSION
Appraise how important the concept of conflict is to Antigone and to all tragic drama.
Perhaps conclude by identifying the most important element of conflict in the play
(the one most relevant to the play’s identity as a tragedy).
I DON’T WANT THIS 15 TIMES!
Don’t JUST use these ideas in this exact order. I will reward ORIGINAL IDEAS and
you should aim to take risks. Do remember EMBEDDED QUOTATION too.
Good luck! ; )