This study guide was prepared by the students of John Marshall High
School’s Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet during the fall of
2003 and is part of an ongoing effort; comments, questions, or
suggestions are welcome at Online Literature Study, JMHS Magnet,
Silverlake, California, 90027.
Antigone-
Cell#1- Blooood
Quote: “Ismene: To me, Antigone, no word of friends has come, or
glad or grievous, since we twain were reft of our two brethren in one
day.”
Summary: Antigone and Ismene enter and are mourning their
brothers who have died while fighting for control of Thebes. Ismene
asks Antigone what secret is bothering her.
Reading Comprehension: Why are Antigone and Ismene sad?
Vocabulary: “By double fratricide; and since the night…”
A. destroying a fraternity
B. two-faced
C. destroying brothers
D. cleansing
Discussion: Do you think the two girls are in any way mad at each
other because their brothers killed each other?
Cell #2- Here Lies Polyneices
Quote: “Antigone: No man may bury him or make lament—must leave
him tombless and unwept, a feast for kites to scent afar and swoon
upon.”
Summary: Antigone tells of how Creon won’t let her bury her
dishonored brother Polyneices and whomever tries to bury or mourn
him will be put to death. Antigone wants to defy the decree and she
wants Ismene’s help.
Reading Comprehension: What does Antigone want to do?
Vocabulary: “He will be here to promulgate, for such as have not
heard, his mandate”
A. keep secret
B. gossip
C. make known
D. fear
Discussion: Would you want to do the same thing as Antigone if your
brother had been killed?
Cell #3- Dead like them
Quote: “Ismene: Shall we not perish wretchedest of all, in defense of
the law we cross…”
Summary: Ismene doesn’t want to get in trouble for disobeying the
law, and she fears they will end up like the other unfortunate members
of their family, and that since they are women they must obey the
law. Antigone says she will bury him herself and that if she dies she
will be with her brother in the afterlife.
Reading Comprehension: What are some of the reasons Ismene
gives for not wanting to help bury Polyneices?
Vocabulary: “Abhorred, dishonored, self-convicted of sin, blinded,
himself his executioner.”
A. disgusting
B. disgusted
C. boarded up
D. disclosed
Discussion: Would you side with Antigone or Ismene? Who is right?
Cell #4- Antigone the Valorous
Quote: “Ismene: But if the venture’s hopeless, why essay?
Antigone: Sister, forbear, or I shall hate thee soon, and the dead man
will hate thee too, with cause. Say I am mad and give my madness
reign to wreck itself; the worst that can befall is but to die an
honorable death.”
Summary: Ismene says she fears for Antigone because she is doomed
to fail. Antigone tells her to stop trying to change her mind, and says
that she’ll die an honorable death. Ismene says she loves Antigone
and leaves.
Reading Comprehension: Why is Ismene afraid for Antigone?
Vocabulary: “A specious pretext. I will go alone to lap my dearest
brother in the grave.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
unbelievable
believable but stupid
stupid
believable but wrong
Discussion: Is Ismene going to keep Antigone’s planning a secret?
What would you do if
you were Ismene?
Cell #5- The Chorus and Theban Propaganda
Quote: “Chorus: Now victory to Thebes returns again and smiles upon
her chariot –circled pain. Now let feast and festal should memories of
war blot out. Let us to the temples throng, dance and sing the live
night long.
Summary: The chorus comes in and denounces Polyneices and
accounts the events of the struggle and how he was defeated. They
declare the glory of Thebes and say that everyone should forget the
war and party.
Reading Comp: Does the chorus like Polyneices?
Vocab: “As at the goal the paean they upraise, he struck them with
his forked lighting blaze.”
A. hymn
B. tomb
C. light
D. torch
Discussion: Why do you think the chorus doesn’t like Polyneices?
Cell #6- Selective Burial and Rotting Corpses
Quote: “Creon: For Polyneices ‘tis ordained that none shall give him
burial or make mourn for him, but leave his corpse unburied, to be
meat for dogs and carrion crows.”
Summary: Creon talks to the chorus and says that he is now the king
since he’s related to the dead brothers. He criticizes men who set their
friends before their country, and tells them to bury Eteocles but not
Polyneices because Eteocles fought for his country.
Reading Comp: Whom did Creon say it was okay to bury?
Vocabulary: “With all observances and ceremonies that are the
guerdon of the heroic dead.”
A. punishment
B. death
C. reward
D. vigil
Discussion: Why doesn’t Creon like Polyneices?
Cell #7- Obey or Die!
Quote: “Chorus: What further duty would’st thou lay on us?
Creon: not to connive at disobedience.
Chorus: No man is mad enough to court his death.”
Summary: The chorus asks if there’s anything else Creon would have
them do and he says just not to disobey him. They say they won’t.
Creon says sometimes the hope of gain has lured men to their deaths.
Reading Comp: Why does Creon think the Chorus might disobey him?
Vocabulary: “On younger shoulders lay this grievous charge.”
A. serious
B. wounded
C. in mourning
D. sad
Discussion: What kinds of powers do you think the Chorus holds (as a
political body or whatever they are)?
Cell #8- Pondering Guard, Angry Cleon
Quote: “Guard:… much thought extends a furlong to a league. But in
the end the forward voice prevailed to face thee. I will speak though I
say nothing. For plucking courage from despair methought ‘Let the
worst hap, thou canst but meet thy fate.’”
Summary: The guard says he found something out that he was
reluctant to tell Creon at first, but in the end his conscience made him
come forward. He tells Creon not to get angry with him because he is
just the messenger. Creon tells him to just spill it and go away.
Reading Comp: Why did the guard come to see Creon?
Vocabulary: “What is thy news? Why this despondency?”
A. low spiritedness
B. high spiritedness
C. truthfulness
D. falsity
Discussion: What do you think the guard has to tell Creon?
Antigone 1 Cell#1
Antigone: “ Isemene, sister of my blood and heart, see’st thou how Zeus
would in our lives fulfill the weird of Oedipus, a world of woes!”
Summary: In this part, Antigone complains to Isemene (her sister) of all
the misery in their lives and how Zeus is responsible for them.
Reading Comp.
Who is Antigone’s sister?
Vocabulary Question
“ For what of pain, affliction, outrage, shame, is lacking in our fortunes,
thine and mine?
In the line above, the word affliction most likely means,
A. humiliation
B. great suffering
C. enjoyment
D. infection
Discussion Question
Do you think it is right for Antigone to blame Zeus with all of her miseries?
Antigone 1 Cell#2
Isemene: “What is it? Some dark secret stirs thy breast.
Summary: Antigone sends for Isemene and has some secret to tell her.
She tells Isemene about their dead brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, and
explain Isemene her feelings on their brothers death and the way they died.
She tells Isemene that she feels it is unfair for them not to be able to give
their brothers a proper burial.
Reading Comp.
Who is Polyneices?
Vocabulary Question
“ I know ‘twas so, and therefore summoned thee beyond the gates to
breathe it in thine ear.”
In the line above, the word summoned most likely means,
A. Provoke
B. Invoke
C. Create
D. Convoke
Discussion Question
How would you feel if the law prevented you from burying a dearly loved
family member?
Antigone 1 Cell#3
Isemene: Wilt thou persist, though Creon has forbid?
Summary: Antigone wants Isemene to aid her in her attempt to go
against Creon’s law and bury her brothers. Isemene says she is not sure
since they will be going against Creon’s will. Antigone says she doesn’t care
and she will go ahead with her plans.
Reading Comp.
What does Antigone plan to do?
Vocabulary Question
“ But how, my rash, fond sister, in such case can I do anything to make or
mar?”
In the line above, the word mar most likely means,
A. Rotten
B. Spoil
C. Destroy
D. Dispense
Discussion Question
If it dealt with your family, would you go and do something that is against
the law?
Antigone 1 Cell#4
Isemene: “Bethink thee, sister, of our father’s fate, abhorred, dishonored,
self-convinced of sin, blinded, himself his executioner.”
Summary: Isemene tells her sister about their father mother’s death, and
how and why their father committed suicide. She tells her to use them as an
example of what could occur to her if she went ahead with her plans.
Antigone just tells her to stop talking about it and that she will go ahead
with her plans.
Reading Comp.
How does Antigone and Isemene’s father die?
Vocabulary Question
“… Abhorred, dishonored, self-convinced of sin, blinded, himself his
executioner.”
In the line above, the word abhorred most likely means,
A. Loathed
B. Ashamed
C. Loved
D. Peaceful
Discussion Question
How would you feel if someone you knew committed suicide?
Antigone 1 Cell#5
Isemene: My poor, fond sister, how I fear for thee!
Summary: Isemene tells Antigone that she would be useless to her and
that her reason for not participating in the plan. Antigone says that it is only
an excuse for her not to participate in it. Isemene tells Antigone she is
scared for her since she isn’t, but Antigone just tells her not to be, for the
only way she could hate her even more is if Isemene went and told the
whole town her plan.
Reading Comp.
What does Antigone say is the only way she could hate her sister even
more?
Vocabulary Question
“But, if the venture’s hopeless, why essay?”
In the line above, the word essay most likely means,
A. Test
B. Evaluate
C. Try
D. Prove
Discussion Question
Would you like it if someone would be scared for you, when you aren’t?
Antigone 1 Cell#6
Antigone: “Sister, forbear, or I shall hate thee soon, and the dead man
will hate thee too, with cause.”
Summary: Antigone tells Ismene to leave or she will hate her and so will
their dead brothers. Antigone also tells her to go ahead and call her crazy
because the only thing worse would be to die an honorable death. Isemene
just tells her to go away with her plans and that she will be always be loved
by the ones who love her.
Reading Comp.
According to Antigone, what would be the only thing worse than to be called
crazy?
Vocabulary Question
“Have thine own way then; ‘tis a mad endeavor, yet to thy lovers thou art
dear as ever.”
In the line above, the word endeavor most likely means,
A. Enterprise
B. Eater
C. Killer
D. Guise
Discussion Question
Would you still like or love someone who just told you they hate you?
Antigone 1 Cell#7
Chorus(Ant.2): “Hovering around our city walls he waits, his spearmen
raven at our seven gates.”
Summary: The chorus sings the fall of Polyneices’ power to an invader
called the lord of Argos. They also tell how he waited for the perfect time to
strike and that Zeus was on his side since he hated the host invaded land.
Reading Comp.
Who invaded Polyneices’ land?
Vocabulary Question
“The argent shields, the host with scutcheons white”
In the line above, the word scutcheons most likely means,
A. An Armory
B. A Protective Plate
C. A Shield
D. A Weapon
Discussion Question
Do you believe in the art of invading and conquering?
Antigone 1 Cell#8
Chorus(Str.2): “To earthy from earth rebounding, down he crashed; The
fire-brand from his impious hand was dashed, as like a Bacchic reveler on he
came, outbreathing hate and flame.”
Summary: The chorus continues to describe several events that occurred
during the battle and the actions that Zeus took to give Creon the advantage
to take over Thebes.
Reading Comp.
What is the name of the lord who took over Thebes?
Vocabulary Question
“To earthy from earth rebounding, down he crashed;”
In the line above, the word rebounding most likely means,
A. A basketball stat
B. To protect
C. To inflict
D. Recoil
Discussion Question
Do you think it is morally correct for a God to prefer one person to the
other?
Antigone 1 Cell#9
Creon: “Elders, the gods have righted one again our storm-tossed ship of
state, now safe in port.”
Summary: Creon basically is celebrating the victory. He appreciates the
help of every one involved and especially the help of Zeus. Creon also starts
to make promises of how he will rule and makes assurances that he will
keep his promises. He also says that they should leave Eteocles body out to
decay and serve as food for the dogs.
Reading Comp.
Who does Creon deeply appreciate?
Vocabulary Question
“The foremost champion—duly bury him with all observances and
ceremonies that are the guerdon of the heroic dead.”
In the line above, the word guerdon most likely means,
A. Tragedies
B. Miseries
C. Penance
D. Reward
Discussion Question
Do you think it is right for Creon to leave the body out to decay?
Antigone 1 Cell#10
Creon: “Fear not, I’ve posted guards to watch the corpse”
Summary: Creon tells the chorus that they better listens to what ever he
says or else it would be like assuring their death. Creon also states that he is
not that unjust and that he will not let the body be eaten but he will not give
it a proper burial.
Reading Comp.
What does Creon tell the Chorus?
Vocabulary Question
“See then ye execute what I ordain.”
In the line above, the word ordain most likely means,
A. Hate
B. Like
C. Paralyze
D. Order
Discussion Question
Do you think the Chorus likes Creon?
Antigone 1 Cell#11
Creon: “For conscience piled her spur and curb by turns. ‘Why hurry
headlong to thy fate, poor fool?’ she whispered.”
Summary: The guard is a saying how he feels about Croen and how his
conscience tells him not to trust Croen because he might not turn out to be
the person they think he is.
Reading Comp.
Who tells the guard not to trust Creon?
Vocabulary Question
“What is thy news? Why this despondency?”
In the line above, the word despondency most likely means,
A. Happiness
B. Courage
C. Rebellion
D. Unhappiness
Discussion Question
Would you trust someone like Creon?
Antigone 1 Cell#12
Guard: “Well, it must out; the corpse is buried;…”
Summary: The guard tells Creon that he will not be involve, for he has
done nothing in the process of conquering. The guard also tells Creon that
the burial for Eteocles is complete with a proper ritual.
Reading Comp.
Did Creon finally allow a proper burying ritual for Eteocles?
Vocabulary Question
“Though art good at parry, and canst fence about some matter of grave
import, as is plain.”
In the line above, the word parry most likely means,
A. Defense
B. Attack
C. Intelligence
D. Evade
Discussion Question
What do you think could have caused Creon to change his mind about the
burial?
Antigone 3
Cell 1
Quote:
Ismene
Is e’en this boon denied, to share thy lot
Antigone
Yeah, for thou chosed’st life, and I to die
Summary:
Ismene is saying that she’s as guilty as Antigone for burying
their brother. However, Antigone doesn’t want her to take
part of the blame because she didn’t take part in burying
him, and she would prefer if her sister lived.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Why doesn’t Antigone want Ismene to take some of the
blame?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Find’st thou pleasure in these gibes?
In the quote above the word gibes most closely means:
a. mockeries
b. troubles
c. times
d. questions
Discussion Question?
Why do you think Ismene is taking part of the blame?
Cell 2
Quote:
Ismene
What life for me without my sister here?
Summary:
Creon says that Ismene is crazy for saying that she’s guilty.
Ismene says that it was something she felt she had to do,
and questions why Creon is so willingly wanting to kill
Antigone, his son’s bride. Creon responds by saying that
there are other, better women for his son.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Who is Creon’s son’s bride?
Vocabulary Analysis:
A plague on trulls who court and woo our sons
In the quote above trulls most closely means:
a. trouble-makers
b. children
c. women
d. prostitutes
Discussion Question:
Why do you think Creon dislikes Antigone?
Cell 3
Quote:
Antigone
O Haemon, how thy sire dishonors thee!
Summary:
Antigone and the Chorus are in disbelief with the fact that
Creon is going to let Antigone be killed.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Does the chorus agree that Antigone should be sentenced to
death?
Vocabulary Analysis:
A plague on thee and thy accursed bride!
In the quote above the word plague most closely means:
a. a disease
b. an animal
c. a treasure
d. a gift
Discussion Question:
Do you think this is the end for Antigone?
Cell 4
Quote:
Chorus
The light that dawned upon its last-born son is vanished,
and the bloody axe of Fate Has felled the goodly tree that
blossomed late. O, Oedipus, by reckless pride undone!
Summary:
The chorus says that some god had cursed the human race
and now we have to suffer.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What had “undone” Oedipus?
Vocabulary Analysis:
From days of old some god laid on the race a malison.
In the quote above the word malison most closely means:
a. blessing
b. curse
c. force
d. mourn
Discussion Question
What does the quote mean?
Cell 5
Quote:
Chorus
Hope flits about never-wearing wings; Profit to some, to
some light loves she brings, But no man knoweth how her
gifts may turn, Till ‘neath his feet the treacherous ashes
burn.
Summary:
The chorus says that Hope exists always, but you can never
know what kind of surprise it might bring you. Haemon, one
of her latest victims, is coming in angry because Antigone
defied orders and might be punished.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Why is Haemon angry?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Haemon, latest of thy brood;
In the quote above the word brood most closely means:
a. enemies
b. offspring
c. remains
d. students
Discussion Question:
Is Hope good?
Cell 6
Quote:
Haemon
Therefore no wedlock shall by me be held more precious
than thy loving governance
Summary:
Creon asks his son if he is mad to hear that his final
judgment was to kill his bride. Haemon responds by saying
that no marriage means more than what his father says.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Was Haemon mad at Creon?
Vocabulary Analysis:
O father, I am thine, and I will take thy wisdom as the helm
to steer withal
In the quote above the word helm most closely means:
a. world
b. guide
c. catalyst
d. wheel
Discussion Question:
Do you really think Haemon wasn’t at least a little disurbed?
If so, why do you think he didn’t speak up?
Cell 7
Quote:
Creon
Son, be warned
And let no woman fool away thy wits.
Ill fares the husband mated with a shrew
And her embraces very soon wax cold.
For what cam wound so surely to the quick
As a false friend? So spue and cast her off,
Bid her go find a husband with the dead.
Summary:
Creon says that sons should always listen to their fathers
and watch out for bad women. The ruler should have all
power to preserve order and ranks. Anarchy is bad because
it ruins states; discipline is needed to maintain order and
ranks. The chorus agrees.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does Creon say is important to society? Why would he
say that?
Vocabulary Analysis:
What evils are not wrought by Anarchy!
She ruins States, and overthrows the home,
She dissipates and routs the embattled host;
In the quote above the word embattled most closely
means:
a.
b.
c.
d.
prepare for battle
to fight
angry
content
Discussion Question:
Why is anarchy a “she”?
Cell 8
Quote:
Haemon
Father, the gods implant in mortal men
Reason, the choicest gift bestowed by heaven.
Summary: [referring to his father]
Haemon says that whoever thinks of himself as being the
wisest, is really not, and does not make good decisions.
Haemon advises his father to listen to others’ opinions, as
wise men do.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What is Haemon’s argument?
Vocabulary Analysis:
When her own father slain in battle lay
Unsepulchered , she suffered not his corse
To lie for carrion birds and dogs to maul:
In the word above the word unsepulchered most closely
means:
a. not buried
b. dead
c. unconscious
d. disturbed
Discussion Question:
Out of Creon and Haemon, who has the best argument?
Why?
Cell 9
Quote:
Creon
What, would you have us at our age be schooled, lessened
in prudence by a beardless boy?
Summary:
Haemon is suggesting that Creon should take his advice
because he might learn something from it. Creon, however,
thinks the idea is absurd.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does Haemon want?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Strange merit this to sanction lawlessness
In the quote above the word merit most closely means:
a. value
b. thing
c. accusation
d. document
Discussion Question:
Do you think Creon will agree?
Cell 10
Quote:
A state for one man is no state at all
Summary:
Haemon is talking about how the City should take part in
decisions that would affect the whole City. If that were the
case Antigone wouldn’t be in wait of the death penalty.
Creon still strongly believes that he (the king) is the state,
and what he says will always be right, and he doesn’t need
the City to tell him what to do.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does Haemon propose?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Is not this maid an arrant law-breaker
In the quote above the word arrant most closely means:
a. shameless
b. proud
c. ugly
d. dramatic
Discussion Question:
Is Haemon making a good point?
Cell 11
Quote:
Creon
The State is his who rules it, so ‘tis held.
Haemon
As monarch of a desert thou wouldst shine.
Summary:
Haemon and Creon argue about who is right and who is
wrong.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does Haemon mean when he says “as monarch of a
dessert thou wouldst shine”?
Vocabulary Analysis:
O reprobate, would’st wrangle with thy sire?
In the quote above the word reprobate most closely
means:
a. abandoned person
b. distrust
c. curse
d. document
Discussion Question:
What does this quote mean?
Creon
Thy speech at least was all a plea for her.
Haemon
And thee and me, and for the gods below.
Cell 12
Quote:
Creon
Living the maid shall never be thy bride.
Haemon
So she shall die, but one will die with her.
Summary:
Creon tells Haemon that he will never marry Antigone and
Haemon responds by telling him that if Antigone dies so will
he.
Reading Comprehension Question?
How does Haemon threaten his father?
Vocabulary Question:
Play not the spaniel, thou a woman’s slave.
In the quote above the word spaniel most closely means?
a. flatterer
b. stupid man
c. intelligent man
d. indecisive man
Discussion Question:
Do you think Haemon is doing the right thing by standing up
to the king? Why?
Cell 13
Quote:
Haemon
Think not that in my sight the maid shall die,
Or by my side; never shalt thou again
Behold my face hereafter. Go, consort
With friends who like a madman for their mate.
Summary:
Creon swears that he will kill Antigone, and asks the guards
to bring her out so Haemon can see. However, Haemon tells
Creon that Antigone will not die there, and then leaves.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does Haemon tell his father?
Vocabulary Analysis:
And jeer and flout me with impunity.
In the quote above the word flout most closely means:
a. cry
b. scorn
c. hit
d. hug
Discussion Question:
What do you think Haemon will do next?
Cell 14
Quote:
Creon
Let him go vent his fury like a fiend:
These sisters twain he shall not save from death.
Summary:
Creon doesn’t feel threatened by his son. He says that both
Antigone and Ismene will be killed, but then changes his
mind and says he will spare the sister with the clean hands,
Ismene.
Reading Comprehension Question:
Which sister has the clean hands? Why?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Let him go vent his fury like a fiend:
In the quote above the word fiend most closely means:
a. friend
b. companion
c. demon
d. enemy
Discussion Question:
Do you think that it is right for Creon to sentence Antigone
to death for burying her brother?
Cell 15
Quote:
Creon
She shall be taken to some desert place
By man untrod, and in a rock-hewn cave,
With food no more than to avoid the taint
That homicide might bring on all the State,
Buried alive. There let her call in aid
The King of Death, the one god she reveres,
Or learn too late a lesson learnt at last:
‘Tis labor lost, to reverence the dead.
Summary:
Creon says that Antigone is to be taken to a dessert cave
and buried alive.
Reading Comprehension Question:
According to Creon, who is the only god Antigone believes
in?
Vocabulary Analysis:
‘Tis labor lost, to reverence the dead.
In the quote above the word reverence most closely
means:
a. respect
b. annoy
c. kill
d. compliment
Discussion Question:
Do you think Creon would have granted the same death plan
to Antigone if she weren’t his son’s bride?
Cell 16
Quote:
Chorus
Mad are thy subjects all, and even the wisest heart
Straight to folly will fall, at touch of thy poisoned dart.
Summary:
The chorus talks about what Love can do to people.
Everyone falls in her trap, even wise men, and families fight
because of her.
Reading Comprehension Question:
What does the chorus say?
Vocabulary Analysis:
For as her consort still, enthroned with Justice above,
Thou bendest man to thy will, O all invincible Love,
In the quote above the word consort most closely means:
a. associate
b. trust
c. bravery
d. breakage
Discussion Question:
Why is the chorus giving this speech?
Cell 17
Quote:
Antigone
Friends, countrymen, my last farewell I make;
My journey’s done.
One last fond, lingering, longing look I take at the bright
sun.
Summary:
The Chorus is upset that Antigone is going to die. Antigone
makes her last farewell.
Reading Comprehension Question:
How does the chorus feel about Antigone’s sentence?
Vocabulary Analysis:
Antigone, so young, so fair,
Thus hurried down Death’s bower
With the dead to share
In the quote above the word bower most closely means:
a. cottage
b. pathway
c. tunnel
d. tomb
Discussion Question:
How does the presence of the chorus affect your
understanding of the lessons of the play?
Summary
Our part begins with a conversation between Isemene and
Antigone, sisters to two feuding brother. The two are arguing over
whether or not Antigone will allow Ismene to take some of the
blame for defying Creon's decree to not Oedipus's (the previous
leader) son Polynices to have a proper burial. Antigone won’t allow
it and it seem she refuses her sisters attempts to take some of the
blame not out of that Ismene didn’t help, but a want t protect her
sister. Antigone says that when she dies those who judge her will
know the truth so she shouldn’t lie to herself or anyone else.
Ismene says her life would be horrible if her sister weren’t alive and
Antigone says in a sarcastic way that she should ask their father
Creon what to do considering how close they are, it seems a hint of
anger is shown at Ismene's failing to help her sister earlier.
Reading Comprehension
What was Creon's decree?
Discussion Question
Why did Antigone choose to die only to bury her brother? What does
this tell us about the importance of a proper burial in that time period?
Summary
Isemene and Antigone continue their conversation about whether or
not both of them will take the blame for burying Polynices. Ismene
believes that Antigone is joking at a time when jokes are
inappropriate and Antigone replies that it doesn’t matter she is
going to die anyways. She also refuses to allow her sister to take
the blame even though both of them have been suspected, she also
says that it was her decision to bury her brother and that she knew
at the time it would mean her death.
Reading Comprehension
Was it right for Creon to make Antigone and Ismene choose between the love of their
brother and death? Why or why not?
Discussion Question
Why did Antigone choose to die only to bury her brother? What does
this tell us about the importance of a proper burial in that time period?
Summary
Creon enters the room and the reader realizes that Creon knows
that it was only Antigone and not Ismene who buried Polynices.
Creon makes a sarcastic comment that Oedipus had two daughters,
one that was sane and went crazy, and the other that has been
crazy since she was a child; it is unclear which refers to Antigone
and which to Ismene. Ismene makes the argument that in horrible
circumstances one can lose their mind no matter how smart they
were to begin with. When Ismene asks what she should do when
he kills her sister, as Antigone previously (and sarcastically) told
her to do, Creon says that her sister is already dead.
Reading Comprehension
Describe the relation between Antigone, Ismene, Haemon, Polynices,
Creon, and Oedipus.
Discussion Question
Is it right for Creon to kill his son's fiancé, or anyone for that matter,
simply for respecting and loving their sibling?
Summary
This conversation clearly shows Creon's poor opinion of Antigone.
Ismene asks how Creon will live with himself after he has killed his
son, Haemon's, future bride. Creon says, rather crudely, that women
are a dime a dozen and that his son will find another t bear his
children. Ismene replies that Haemon loves Antigone and she cannot
be so quickly replaced, Creon says she was just a type of gold digger
who wooed his poor and stupid son. Antigone finally enters the
conversation, having up till them been ignored, and says that Haemon
should be ashamed to have Creon for a father, Creon then curses her.
The chorus asks if Creon will end his son’s marriage, he replies that
death is ending it, not himself.
Reading Comprehension
What is Creon's opinion of women?
Discussion Question
Will Creon be successful in killing his son’s future bride?
Summary
In this part it is revealed that the Chorus, essentially being the
status quo, is used as a scapegoat by Creon to blame Antigone’s
death sentence on. The Chorus then goes into along a long speech
that basically says: people who know no pain are lucky, they
foresee bad things coming, tells the story of Oedipus, and prays to
Zeus for help.
Reading Comprehension
Who is being used as a scapegoat?
Discussion Question
Are praying and begging the same thing? Support your answer.
Summary
Creon has a conversation with his son Haemon (who is engaged
to Antigone). Creon says that Haemon cannot be mad at his own
father because he should know that everything father does for his
son is out of love and nothing else. Haemon responds that he is
right and that he will accept his father’s judgment. At this point,
however, Haemon only think that he and Antigone’s wedding is
being called of not that she is going to be executed.
Reading GOmprehension
Does Haemon know Antigone is going to be executed?
Discussion Question
What will Haemon’s reaction are when he finds out about Creon’s
sentence concerning Antigone?
Summary
Creon gives an incredibly long speech. He continues to trick his
son into thinking that the wedding is only called off never speaking
of the near death of his son’s one-time future bride. It is clear that
Creon is a horrible father who is only using his song for his own
selfish reasons. It is also clear that Creon values his government
position more than his son.
Reading Comprehension
What doesn’t Creon mention to his son that Haemon would
definitely want to know?
Discussion Question
Is it right for Creon to conveniently not mention Antigone’s future
death by his hand? Why does he do it?
Summary
The Chorus, once again not sticking out their necks and doing anything to change a
situation complement Creon on his long speech. Haemon then goes into his only
huge speech. H says that he knows that Antigone is going to be executed because he
heard it in the streets but decided not to be mad as his father for not telling him. He
only asks him to take back the death sentence because he really does love Antigone.
Reading Comprehension
How did Haemon find out about the coming execution?
Discussion Question
Is it merely right for Haemon not to try to save his once future
wife? What does it say about his relationship with his father and
with Antigone?
Summary
The Chorus, being contradictory, once again agrees with all
those who could lead to problems for them in the future telling both
Creon and Haemon to listen to what the other has said. Creon says
he shouldn’t have to listen to a boy, even his son and Haemon says
he shouldn’t see him as a boy but or al the things he has done.
When this argument doesn’t work, Haemon says that the people
have said they don’t want Antigone executed.
Reading Comprehension
Do the people want Antigone executed?
Discussion Question
What could be the reason for the people not wanting Antigone
executed?
Summary
Creon, obviously not a supporter of democracy, says he refuses
to be ruled by “” the mob.” Haemon tries to tell his father how
selfish he is being not listening to his own people but Creon won’t
listen.
Reading Comprehension
Is Thebes a democracy or a dictatorship?
Discussion Question
Will the people respond kindly to their king’s total disregard of their
feelings?
Summary
Creon accused his son of being “whipped,” and Haemon
responds by calling his father a woman and thus says that yes he
is. Creon can’t believe his son is arguing with his own father but
Haemon says he shouldn’t be surprised because he is doing wrong.
Creon replies very immaturely by calling him “whipped” once again.
Reading Comprehension
What is Haemon called for the 3rd time?
Discussion Question
Who will come out on top in this argument?
Summary
Haemon denounces his father saying that this was the last time
he will talk to him. Creon replies that this is foolish since the whole
conversation was arguing over Antigone. Haemon says that with
her death another shall come and Creon takes this as a threat.
Reading Comprehension
Who is called a woman?
Discussion Question
This conversation reaffirms Creon’s negative opinion of what group of
people?
Summary
Creon says that Haemon will rue the day he went against his
father, Haemon replies that it was a silly statement since he had
already said Creon was no longer his father. Haemon is once again
accused of being whipped. Both then denounce each other saying
the other is not worthy then Haemon leaves
Reading Comprehension
Who refuses to speak to whom anymore?
Discussion Question
Will Haemon really “rue the day” he argued with his father?
Summary
The Chorus once again agrees with whoever is in the room (Creon). The reader
tat first sees that Creon is not only going to kill Antigone but Ismene as well but the
Chorus corrects him. Creon then describes Antigone’s death by starvation and
burying alive, all for Creon’s amusement at listening to her beg his forgiveness.
Reading Comprehsnion
How is Antigone going to be killed?
Discussion Question
Is such a cruel death right? How is that different from the present
day electric chair?
Summary
The Chorus then complains about love for a very long time.
Saying things like love is unkind, those who have never felt it are
lucky, etc. Never talking about all the good things that supposedly
some from it.
Reading Commprehension
What does the Chorus complain about?
Discussion Question
With so many people talking about how bad love is, dos it seems
worth it?
Summary
Antigone gives her farewell speech. She talks about how she will
miss the sun and about how death will end all her suffering. She
says she s sad for never having been married but now she is
marrying death itself.
Reading Comprehension
What is Antigone going to miss the most?
Discussion Question
Will Antigone miss the sun or Haemon more?
Discussion Questions
1.
Cell 1
Quote: “unhappy king! What more do you wish to learn?” –the
shepherd
Vocabulary: “very well since you insist upon _____”
a. delaying
b. dying
c. killing
d. choking
discussion: would you insult a king who has the power to execute you?
Cell 2
Quote: “for god’s love, my king, do not ask me any more!” –the
shepherd
Vocabulary: “ah, I am on the brink of ______speech”
a. dead
b. retarded
c. dreadful
d. sinful
discussion: if you were Oedipus, would you want to find out about
anything?
Cell 3
Quote: “it was said that the boy would kill his own father”
Vocabulary: “I _____ the baby, my king, and I thought that this man
would take him far away to his own country”
a. killed
b. choked
c. played with
d. pitied
discussion: would you have believed what an oracle predicted?
Cell 1
E’xodos
Quote: Messenger: “Men of the line of Kadmos, you who live near
Ampion’s citadel: I cannot say of any condition of human life “This is
fixed, this is clearly good or bad.”Fate raises up, and Fate casts down
the happy and unhappy alike:”
Summary: A messenger arrives with a message for all Kadmos men
who live near the citadel of Amphion, saying that he is uncertain
whether or not they will live, or the condition of the situation.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who is the message for?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, line most closely
means:
a) boundary
b) a geometric shape consisting of one mark extending into infinity in
both directions
c) ancestry
d) a part of a poem
Discussion Question: Why do you think the messenger is so doubtful?
Cell 2
E’xodos
The messenger’s speech.
Quote: Messenger: “Creon was happy once, as I count happiness:
Victorious in battle, sole governor of the land, fortunate father of
children nobly born. And now it has all gone from him!”
Summary: The messenger(or whoever sent the messenger) is worried
about Creon, and also using him as an example of the first part of hs
speech. He says that Creon was once the happiest man on Earth, but
now has lost all and is drowning in sorrow.
Reading Comprehension Question: What has happened to Creon that
has changed his prior happiness?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, sole means
a) a person’s inner essence
b) only
c) bottom of a shoe
d) flatfish
Discussion Question: Why is Creon’s situation a good example of the
first part of his speech?
Cell 3
E’xodos
Choragos responds.
Quote: Choragos: “Your words hint at sorrow: What is your news for
us?
Messenger: “They are dead. the living are guilty of their death.
Choragos: “Who is guilty? Who is dead? Speak!
Messenger: “Haimon. Haimon is dead; and the hand that killed him
is his own hand.”
Summary: Choragos asks what the messenger’s speech is a prelude
to. The messenger explains that Haimon killed himself.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who is dead, and how?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, hand most closely
means
a) the part of a clock that indicates the current time
b) pledge of marriage
c) a person
d) the part of the human body at the end of the wrist consisting of four
fingers and a prehensile thumb
Discussion Question: Why do you think Haimon killed himself?
Cell 4
E’xodos
Clever Cell Title.
Quote: Choragos: “His father’s? Or his own?”
Messenger: “His own, driven mad by the murder his father had done.”
Choragos: “Teresias, Teresias, how clearly you saw it all!”
Messenger: “This is my news: you must draw what conclusions you
can from it.”
Choragos: “But look: Eurydice`, our Queen: has she overheard us?”
Summary: Choragos asks the messenger is it was Creon or Haimon
who killed Haimon. The messenger says it was Haimon, who had been
driven mad by the murder his father had committed. Choragos notices
that Eurydice` is coming, and worries that she heard them.
Reading Comprehension Question: What does Choragos ask the
messenger?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, draw most closely
means
a) prepare
b) infer
c) adorn
d) wombat
Discussion Question: Why do you think Choragos would worry about
Eurydice’s overhearing them?
Cell 5
E’xodos
The Queen speaks.
Quote: Eurydice: “I have heard something. friends: as I was
unlocking the gate of Pallas’ shrine, for I needed her help today, I
heard a voice
telling of some new sorrow. And I fainted there at the temple with all
my maidens about me. But speak again: Whatever it is, I can bear it:
grief and I are no strangers.”
Summary: Eurydice arrives and says she has heard rumors of a
tragedy. She tells them to tell her what has happened, for she is used
to grief.
Reading Comprehension Question: Where and why did Eurydice faint?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, shrine most closely
means
a) place for worship
b) tomb
c) chocolate
d) statue
Discussion Question: Why did Eurydice need Pallas’s help?
Cell 6
E’xodos
Introduction to the Messenger’s tale.
Quote: Messenger: “Dearest Lady, I will tell you plainly all that I
have seen. I shall not try to comfort you: what is the use, since
comfort could lie only in what is not true? The truth is always best.”
Summary: The messenger says to Eurydice that he will tell her all he
knows without bothering to comfort her, because comfort could not
come from the truth. He then says that the truth is always best.
Reading Comprehension Question: Why doesn’t the messenger want
to comfort Eurydice?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, lie most closely
means
a) a horizontal position in which people rest
b) an untruth
c) a stubborn person
d) be found in
Discussion Question: Should the messenger attempt to comfort the
Queen, even though that might require lying?
Cell 7
E’xodos
The Messenger’s Tale part 1.
Quote: Messenger: “I went with Creon to the outer plain where
Polyneices was lying, no friend to pity him. his body shredded by dogs.
We made our prayers in that place to Hecate and Pluto, that they
would be merciful.”
Summary: The messenger begins his tale by explaining the position
and state of the corpse of Polyneices. It was mangled and alone.
They then prayed to Hecate and Pluto for mercy.
Reading Comprehension Question: Whose dead body was found?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, plain most closely
means
a) normal
b) vanilla
c) a large, flat area of mostly grass
d) building
Discussion Question: Do you think that this is the news the Queen
feared?
Cell 8
E’xodos
The Messenger’s tale part 2
Quote: Messenger: “And we bathed the corpse with holy water, and
we brought fresh-broken branches to burn what was left of it. And
upon the urn we heaped a towering barrow of the earth of his own
land.”
Summary: The messenger describes what they did with the body of
Polyneices. First, they washed it in holy water. Second, they burned
it. Third, they put the ashes into an urn, which they buried.
Reading Comprehension Question: What did the messenger and
company do with the cleaned corpse of Polyneices?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, barrow most
closely means
a) an ancient grave mound
b) wheelbarrow
c) corpse
d) a badly done computer illustration
Discussion Question: Was Polyneice’s body treated appropriately?
Cell 9
E’xodos
The Messenger’s extremely long tale part 3
Quote: Messenger: “When we were done, we ran to the vault where
Antigone lay on her couch of stone. One of the servants had gone
ahead, and while he was yet far off he heard a voice grieving within
the chamber, and he came back and told Creon. And as the king went
close, the air was full of wailing, the words lost, And he begged us to
make haste. “Am I a prophet?” he said, weeping, “And I must walk
this road, the saddest of all that I have gone before? My son’s voice
calls me on. Oh quickly, quickly! Look through the crevice there, and
tell me if it is Haimon, or some deception of the gods!”
Summary: The messenger’s story continues with their arrival at the
vault where Antigone’s corpse is. They heard wailing, and Creon yells
for them to look at who it is.
Reading Comprehension Question: What is significant about the
location they had arrived at in the messenger’s story?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, prophet most
closely means
a) one who sees the future
b) one who talks with gods
c) death
d) devil
Discussion Question: Why does Creon not look at who is wailing
himself?
Cell 10
E’xodos
The Messenger’s increasingly boring story part 4
Quote: Messenger: “We saw her lying: She had made a noose of her
fine linen veil and hanged herself. Haimon lay beside her, his arms
about her waist, lamenting her, his love lost under ground, crying out
that his father had stolen her away from him.”
Summary: The messenger describes what he saw: Haimon was
weeping over Antigone’s grave, crying that his father had stolen his
love from him.
Reading Comprehension Question: What did Haimon say his
father(Creon) had done?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, lamenting most
closely means
a) holding
b) expressing grief over
c) yelling
d) kicking
Discussion Question: What will Haimon do upon noticing his father’s
presence?
Cell 11
E’xodos
The end of the Messenger’s tale
Quote: Messenger: “ When Creon saw him the tears rushed rushed to
his eyes and he called to him; but Haimon spat in his face. He said
not a word, staring- and suddenly he drew his sword and lunged.
Creon shrank back, the blade missed and the boy, desperate against
himself, drove it half its length into his own side, and fell.” [exit
Eurydice into the palace]
Summary: Creon called out to Haimon, who attacked him. After
missing Haimon stabs himself and dies. After hearing this, Eurydice
leaves.
Reading Comprehension Question: What does Haimon attempt to do
to Creon?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, shrank most
closely means
a) became smaller
b) flinched
c) fell
d) leaped
Discussion Question: Was it right for Haimon to attempt to kill his
father in revenge for Creon’s killing his love?
Cell 12
E’xodos
The aftermath of the messenger’s tale.
Quote: Choragos: “She has left us without a word. What can this
mean?”
Messenger: “It troubles me, too; her grief is too great for public
lamentation, and doubtless she has gone to her chamber to weep for
her dead son.”
Choragos: “It may be so, but I fear this deep silence”
Messenger: “I will go see what she is doing. I will go in.” [exit
Messenger into the Palace]
Summary: After Eurydice’s leaving, Choragos and the Messenger
worry about her. The Messenger goes into the palace to see what she
is doing.
Reading Comprehension Question: Why does the messenger go into
the palace?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, deep most closely
means
a) low-pitched
b) intense
c) at a specified depth
d) pointless
Discussion Question: What do you think the Messenger will find in the
palace?
Cell 13
E’xodos
The bearer of bad news
Quote: [Enter Creon with attendants, bearing Haimon’s body]
Choragos: “But here is the king himself: oh look at him, bearing his
own damnation in his arms.”
[Enter Messenger from the Palace]
Messenger: “The burden you carry in your hands is heavy, but it is
not all: you will find more in your house.”
Creon: “What burden worse than this shall I find there?”
Messenger: “The Queen is dead.”
Summary: Creon enters carrying Haimon’s body. The Messenger
comes back from the palace and tells those present that Eurydice is
dead.
Reading Comprehension Question: What new tragedy has occurred?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, burden most
closely means
a) main theme of a document
b) a heavy load
c) the last name of a stupid kid named charlie
d) a boats cargo capacity
Discussion Question: How do you think the queen died?
Cell 14
E’xodos
The Messenger’s second story
Quote: Messenger: “She stood before the altar, and her heart
welcomed the knife her own hand guided, and a great cry burst from
her lips for Megareus dead, and for Haimon dead, her sons; and her
last breath was a curse for their father, the murderer of her sons.”
Summary: The Messenger explains that Eurydice stabbed herself in
the heart. She then cried out about her dead loved ones. And with
her last breath, cursed Creon for her sons’ murder.
Reading Comprehension Question: What was the last thing Eurydice
said?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the quote above, altar most closely
means
a) to change
b) a table used for religion
c) a zombie wombat
d) a platform used for weddings
Discussion Question: Was it right for Eurydice to commit suicide?
Cell 15
E’xodos
The end(finally)
Quote: Creon: “Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish. I have
killed my son and my wife. Fate has brought all my pride a thought of
dust.”
Chroagos: “there is no happiness where there is no wisdom; no
wisdom but in submission to the gods. Big words are always
punished, and proud men in old age learn to be wise.
Summary: As Creon despairs, Choragos makes a final speech. He
says that without wisdom, there can be no happiness. And wisdom
comes from submission to the gods.
Reading Comprehension Question: According to Chroagos, where does
wisdom come from?
Vocabulary Analogy Question: In the above quote, fate most closely
means
a) good luck
b) bad luck
c) destiny
d) school
Discussion Question: What do you think will happen to Creon?
Antigone, Scene 5
Cell #1:
Summary: After
Creon was warned by
Teiresias, he has a
change of mind and
decides to free
Antigone and also
give her dead
brother, Polyneices, a
funeral.
Quote:
CREON: Ah! what a
wrench it is to
sacrifice My heart's
resolve; but Fate is ill
to fight.
CHORUS: Go, trust not others. Do it quick thyself.
CREON: I go hot-foot. Bestir ye one and all,
My henchmen! Get ye axes! Speed away
To yonder eminence! I too will go,
For all my resolution this way sways.
'Twas I that bound, I too will set her free.
Almost I am persuaded it is best
To keep through life the law ordained of old.
Questions:
1. Why was Creon convinced by Teiresias even after swearing his
word?
2. CREON: "Ah! what a _______ it is to sacrifice my heart's
resolve; but Fate is ill to fight."
a. wrench
b. joy
c. glory
d. surprise
3. Do you think that Creon will actually go and free Antigone and
build a tomb for him?
Cell #2:
Summary: The
messenger comes to
Choragos with news
of the action that took
place at the stone
that Antigone was at.
He reports that
Haimen is dead, and
he was the one who
killed himself.
Quote:
MESSENGER: Attend all ye who dwell beside the halls
Of Cadmus and Amphion. No man's life
As of one tenor would I praise or blame,
For Fortune with a constant ebb and rise
Casts down and raises high and low alike,
And none can read a mortal's horoscope.
CHORUS: What fresh woes bring'st thou to the royal house?
MESSENGER: Both dead, and they who live deserve to die.
CHORUS: Who is the slayer, who the victim? speak.
MESSENGER: Haemon; his blood shed by no stranger hand.
CHORUS:What mean ye? by his father's or his own?
MESSENGER: His own; in anger for his father's crime.
Questions:
1. Why would Haimen kill himself?
2. CHORUS: What fresh _____ bring'st thou to the royal house?"
a. shrimps
b. happiness
c. woes
d. fish
3. Do you think that Haimen is the only one who died at the
stone?
Cell #3:
Summary: After the
messenger reports
Haimen's death, the
Queen appears from
the Palace, telling the
messenger to continue
his story because she
has overheard their
conversation.
Quote:
CHORUS: Lo! from the palace gates I see approaching Creon's
unhappy wife, Eurydice. Comes she by chance or learning her son's
fate? [Enter EURYDICE]
EURYDICE: Ye men of Thebes, I overheard your talk. As I passed out
to offer up my prayer To Pallas, and was drawing back the bar To open
wide the door, upon my ears There broke a wail that told of household
woe Stricken with terror in my handmaids' arms I fell and fainted. But
repeat your tale To one not unacquaint with misery.
Questions:
1. Will the messenger continue with his story now that the
Queen has appeared?
2. EURYDICE: "There broke a _____ that told of household woe."
a. laugh
b. window
c. glass
d. wail
3. What do you predict the messenger's rest of the news would
be?
Cell #4:
Summary: The
messenger tells
Choragos and the
Queen what he has
witnessed: When he
and the king arrived
at the stone, they
saw that Haimon was
by Antigone, who had
hung herself, with his
arms around her waist. Haimon went mad and tried to kill his father
for stealing his bride away from him, but instead he slain himself,
dying next to Antigone.
Quote:
Messenger: "Well, in attendance on my liege, your lord, I crossed the
plain to its utmost margin, where The corse of Polyneices, gnawn and
mauled, Was lying yet. We offered first a prayer To Pluto and the
goddess of cross-ways, With contrite hearts, to deprecate their ire.
Then laved with lustral waves the mangled corse, Laid it on freshlopped branches, lit a pyre, And to his memory piled a mighty mound
Of mother earth. Then to the caverned rock, The bridal chamber of the
maid and Death, We sped, about to enter. But a guard Heard from
that godless shrine a far shrill wail, And ran back to our lord to tell the
news. But as he nearer drew a hollow sound Of lamentation to the
King was borne. He groaned and uttered then this bitter plaint: "Am I
a prophet? miserable me! Is this the saddest path I ever trod? 'Tis my
son's voice that calls me. On press on, My henchmen, haste with
double speed to the tomb Where rocks down-torn have made a gap,
look in And tell me if in truth I recognize The voice of Haemon or am
heaven-deceived." So at the bidding of our distraught lord We looked,
and in the craven's vaulted gloom I saw the maiden lying strangled
there, A noose of linen twined about her neck; And hard beside her,
clasping her cold form, Her lover lay bewailing his dead bride Deathwedded, and his father's cruelty. When the King saw him, with a
terrible groan He moved towards him, crying, "O my son What hast
thou done? What ailed thee? What mischance Has reft thee of thy
reason? O come forth, Come forth, my son; thy father supplicates."
But the son glared at him with tiger eyes, Spat in his face, and then,
without a word, Drew his two-hilted sword and smote, but missed His
father flying backwards. Then the boy, Wroth with himself, poor
wretch, incontinent Fell on his sword and drove it through his side
Home, but yet breathing clasped in his lax arms The maid, her pallid
cheek incarnadined With his expiring gasps. So there they lay Two
corpses, one in death. His marriage rites Are consummated in the halls
of Death: A witness that of ills whate'er befall Mortals' unwisdom is the
worst of all."
Questions:
1. How do you think Creon would feel about the death of his son
and Antigone?
2. Messenger: "A witness that of ills whate'er befall _____
unwisdom is the worst of all."
a. mortals'
b. gods'
c. mans'
d. woman's'
3. What will the Queen say or think of this news?
Cell #5:
Summary: After
hearing of this news,
the Queen exits
without saying a
single word. The
messenger and
Choragos get
concerned and
worried about her, so the messenger decides to go and see what the
Queen will do.
Quote: CHORUS: What makest thou of this? The Queen has gone
Without a word importing good or ill.
MESSENGER: Well, let us to the house and solve our doubts, Whether
the tumult of her heart conceals Some fell design. It may be thou art
right: Unnatural silence signifies no good.
Questions:
1. Why did the Queen walk out without saying a word?
2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Messenger: " _____ silence signifies no good."
natural
morning
unnatural
peculiar
3. What do you think that the Queen will do next?
Cell #6:
Summary: Creon
sadly returns,
regretting all the
terrible things he has
done. He then learns
that the Queen also
killed herself, after
cursing Creon, which
makes him feel much
worse.
Quote:
CREON: (Ant. 2)
Alas! another added
woe I see. What more
remains to crown my
agony? A minute past
I clasped a lifeless
son, And now another
victim Death hath won. Unhappy mother, most unhappy son! SECOND
MESSENGER: Beside the altar on a keen-edged sword She fell and
closed her eyes in night, but erst She mourned for Megareus who
nobly died Long since, then for her son; with her last breath She
cursed thee, the slayer of her child.
CREON: (Str. 3) I shudder with affright O for a two-edged sword to
slay outright A wretch like me, Made one with misery.
SECOND MESSENGER: 'Tis true that thou wert charged by the dead
Queen As author of both deaths, hers and her son's.
CREON: In what wise was her self-destruction wrought?
SECOND MESSENGER: Hearing the loud lament above her son With
her own hand she stabbed herself to the heart.
Questions:
1. Why did the queen kill herself and curse Timon?
2. CREON: "What more remains to crown my ____________?"
a. agony
b. wealth
c. luck
d. head
3. What will happen to Creon next?