Scene 5 and Paean
1. According to Teiresias, what is the “new calamity” that Creon has brought to Thebes? (lines 2531)
2. In lines 48 to 61, what does Creon accuse Teiresias of wanting from him?
3. What does Teiresias predict for Creon in lines 70-87? What crime has Creon committed to
deserve this?
4. What does” corpse for corpse flesh of your own flesh” mean (line 72)?
5. What does the Choragus tell Creon that he must do to prevent this?
6. What is happening in the Paean? What mood do you feel when reading it?
Exodos
1. What two people does the messenger say have died? How have they died?
2. By the time Creon returns, who else has died?
3. What is Creon’s attitude at the end of the play?
4. Judging by the final speeches of the play, what do you think is Creon’s fatal flaw?
5. Translate the following passage, and relate it back to your own life. Has this ever happened to
you?
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
6. “From darkness to final darkness” line 88. Translate what Creon is saying.
7. How responsible is Creon for the Deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice?
8. What relevance do the themes of Antigone have in modern times? Explain your opinion, offering
examples.
Fill out a chart for each character below. On the left side, pick one emotion that the character is known
for, and plot its course. Summarize the movement of emotions in 2-3 sentences.
Ex) Haemon
Haemon started acting very nice to his father, King Creon, but it was just a front to soften him up. In
reality, Haemon was very upset with the decision his father had made.
Antigone
Ismene
Creon
Who betters fits the definition of a tragic hero? Use the chart below. Write out your response into 5-6
sentences.
Antigone
Creon
Protagonist, or central character
Usually fails or dies (with dignity)
because of character flaw
High rank or status
Shows strength while facing fate
Hubris (arrogance)
Catharsis (move from ignorance to
knowledge)
Hamartia (weakness that causes
downfall)
Nemesis (fate that cannot be
escaped)
Exit Bell Work – Which character do you relate to the most? Write 4-5 sentences