Antigone Reading Questions PDF

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Reading assignment related to Antigone, Grade 10 Honors English...

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Understanding and Analyzing Antigone Reading Questions Directions: Using a google doc, respond to the following questions thoroughly. To earn full credit, include textual references with line numbers when appropriate. Prologue:

1. How is Antigone’s fate foreshadowed during her opening scene with Ismene? How does this foreshadowing affect our view of her character? Antigone’s fate is foreshadowed when she mentions that death will come as no fear to her if she were to die nobly by punishment for burying her brother, asserting, “but I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy” (55-56) and “I am not afraid of the danger; if it means death, it will not be the worst of deaths- death without honor” (80-81). Disregarding even the natural human fear of death, her character is seen to be absolutely obdurate and passionately stubborn for standing by her belief that Polyneices should be buried, regardless of the consequences.

2. How does Ismene respond to Antigone’s request for help? What does Ismene’s response say about her character? Ismene responds to Antigone’s request for help by admonishing her against burying her brother. Ismene is patient, but tries to explain why she is right, not agreeing to take part Antigone’s plans. Her calmness in the face of Antigone’s passionate rage and insubordinate behavior is well illustrated when she responds to her sister’s brash comments, saying, “Go then, if you feel that you must. You are unwise, but a loyal friend indeed to those who love you” (8284). By allowing her sister Antigone to bury Polyneices, who she knows will be punished if caught, it shows that her character yields easily to constant pushing, and that she can easily assume a maternal role in Antigone’s life by still calmly trying to prevent her from going and reasoning with her. 3. How does Antigone react to Ismene’s reluctance to help her? What does this reveal about Antigone’s character? Antigone stands firm in her belief that her brother Polyneices should have the moral honor of being buried. She is obstinate, short-tempered, and refuses to listen to the advice of her sister, who calmly refuses to help her commit the unlawful deed. Responding rudely to her sister, she exclaims, “Go away, Ismene: I shall be hating you soon, and the dead will too, for your words are hateful. Leave me my foolish plan; I am not afraid of the danger; if it means death, it will not be the worst of deaths- death without honor” (77-81). Antigone will let absolutely nothing stand in her way, and fears none. She also has no regard for the way she treats her sister. This demonstrates how she is headstrong, inconsiderate of those who serve as an impediment to her goals, but shows her confidence and strength of will at the same time. 4. What major theme does Sophocles introduce in this opening scene in the play?

The theme Sophocles initially implies is that exhibiting a headstrong mentality about a goal and devoting oneself to it is noble, even if achieving the goal is considered dishonorable by many. He uses Antigone’s unfaltering strong will to convey this theme, since in nearly every line, her do-or-die attitude is showcased by means of her passionate language and outspoken nature. An example of this is when Antigone firmly says to Ismene, “and now you can prove what you are: a true sister, or a traitor to your family” (26-27). By insinuating that her sister Ismene will be seen as one of two extremes based on her choice to assist her, Antigone’s strength of character is revealed from the very start. This in turn contributes to the conveyance of Sophocles’ theme. 5. What does Ismene’s line at the end of her scene with Antigone reveal about Ismene’s true feelings? Ismene believes Antigone is putting herself in the face of danger and tells her so, though she harbors an internal admiration for her passion. This is exhibited in the last line, when Ismene replies, “but a loyal friend indeed to those who love you” (84). Her calm, maternal disposition shows she wants to nurture her sister and do what she can to make her happy, but because Antigone’s ending goal could land her in deep trouble, Ismene chooses not to get too involved by refusing to help her carry out the burial. 6. What expositional purpose does the “parados” or entrance of the chorus, serve in the play? Summarize this speech. What do these city elders look forward to in the future? The entrance of the chorus serves as a transition between sections of the play, and sets the premise for the next scene. In regards to the first speech, it recounts the important details of the war between the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles and Polyneices, who killed each other in battle. The city elders are looking forward to the span of peace proceeding the war, as exhibited by, “with hearts for dancing we’ll take leave of war… and the long night shall echo with our chorus” (125127). With life lacking the anxieties of war and devastation, they will be free to pursue happiness and express their joy by song and prayer. Scene I:

7. What have we already learned about Creon before he appears on stage? What is revealed of Creon’s character in this scene? (Remember that characters may reveal their own motives in the motives they attribute to others.) At this point, the reader already knows that Creon is the new leader of Thebes. Being at such a high political power, he is inclined to prioritize the value of state loyalty over family, commenting, “whoever shows by word and deed that he is on the side of the State, -he shall have my respect…” (Scene I, Page 197). In the scene as a whole, Creon assumes an authoritative tone. He becomes infuriated upon hearing from the sentry that Polyneices has been buried, and he directs his rage at others. The sentry remarks that Creon is most likely angered by his conscience, not what has been said to him, and with this, Creon fires back irately that the sentry talks too much. This demonstrates that he refuses to admit to himself that he is incapable of inflicting harsh punishment for the situation, and instead, he covers it up with rage and an authoritative tone.

8. What reason does Creon give for his ruling concerning the bodies of Polyneices and Eteocles? How does the Chorus react? Creon believes he has done right by his decision to grant a proper burial to Eteocles and deny it to the traitor Polyneices, remarking, “this is my command, and you can see the wisdom behind it. As long as I am King, no traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man” (Scene I, Page 197). Since loyalty to the state is so imperative to the King, it is only fair that each brother should be evaluated on his terms and buried or left to rot accordingly. The chorus believes that this is fair, stating, “If that is your will, Creon… you have the right to enforce it: we are yours” (Scene I, Page 197). Because the chorus of Thebes has sworn their allegiance to the King and state, they must at least acquiesce to his commands or rulings, since Creon holds the most power. They react as a good people should; obedient and respectful. 9. The Sentry is a very ordinary person, even somewhat humorous. What does he want Creon to think about him? The sentry is clearly afraid of the King, who has the power to control the individuals he rules; dead or alive. Panicked, histrionic, and in a way apologetic, he appeals to the King not to punish him for a misdeed he has not done. His long-winded speech of self-concern with exclamations such as, “ ‘You fool, don’t you know you’re walking straight into trouble?... and here I am with a story that makes no sense at all; but I’ll tell it anyhow, because, as they say, what’s going to happen’s going to happen--” (Scene I, Pages 198-199). The sentry wants Creon to believe that he is completely innocent, and being the bearer of bad news does not help. His character therefore becomes over-affected, verbose, and extremely distressed. 10. What does Creon assume about the motives of those who have disobeyed him? What does this tell us about him? Creon assumes that those who have disobeyed him are out to destroy him and his position of power to with money as the largest gain, shown when he says, “Stiff-necked anarchists, putting their heads together, scheming against me… Crookedness of all kinds, and all for money!” (Scene I, Pages 201-202). He believes that those disloyal individuals were bribed into committing misdeeds for the sake of earning riches. This tells us that he is slightly paranoid about too many people attempting to overthrow him for the sake of money, and it also demonstrates his disappointment in those who value cash more so than anything else.

Ode I:

11.This ode presents a portrait of human existence--its wonders and its limitations. Restate the main ideas in your own words.

This particular ode assumes a very humanistic style, showcasing the abilities and potential of humankind. Man is shown to have the capacity for taming the lesser beasts, possesses much intelligence, and can demonstrate physical skill as much as intellectual prowess. However, when an individual becomes corrupt, which puts a limitation on human power, man as a whole becomes divided, and as a result, considerably less productive. 12. How does the ode comment on the problem of the play as it has been developed so far?

The ode touches on the important concept of how traitors are completely disregarded by those who they had sworn a pseudo-allegiance to. This is shown when the chorus says, “never may the anarchic man find rest at my hearth, never be it said that my thoughts are his thoughts” (204). Clearly, any association with a traitor is considered dishonorable and undesirable. This is how Creon views the burial of Polyneices; since he was a traitor, he does not deserve to be recognized. 13. Where do the chorus’ sympathies seem to be in this ode?

The sympathies of the chorus lay within Creon’s perspective on the burial of Polyneices. As mentioned above, traitors to the state are preposterous individuals and deserve eternal unrest, so the lines showing disdain for an anarchist or traitor, “never may the anarchic man find rest at my hearth, never be it said that my thoughts are his thoughts” (204) demonstrate that the chorus of the people side with Creon, which would be expected at the time of the ancient Greeks. Scene II: 14. Since Greek dramas usually do not move from one setting to another, many of their important actions take place offstage. What major event has taken place before this scene opens? How does Sophocles help the audience picture what has happened? The major event occurring before Scene II was the hunt for the individual responsible for Polyneices’ burial. Sophocles helps the audience picture the unseen plot in between by reintroducing the sentry leading the culprit Antigone. He then has the sentry speak lines that entail the previous plot elements, the most revealing line being, “Here is the very one who did it! We caught her in the very act of burying him” (205). This automatically shows the audience that Antigone has been caught, so Scene II can continue to be developed smoothly. -Sentry describes crime in great detail 15. How does the sentinel seem to feel about his arrest of Antigone? The sentry feels little empathy for Antigone, even though he once was at the mercy of Creon himself. He specifically states, “I was only too glad to come!” (205) and “I am through with the whole thing now, and glad of it” (206). He does not care that Antigone is a woman, and is too preoccupied with the fact that he did something to please Creon to be worried about the fate of Antigone, even though he knows that her death is imminent.

-Still is sad to “bring about the death of a friend,” but values his own life more than his conscience 16. Who does the choral leader compare Antigone to in her scene with Creon? The choragos compares Antigone to her father Oedipus, in the lines, “Like father, like daughter: both headstrong, deaf to reason! She has never learned to yield” (209). This is because they embody similar qualities, which is reasonable since she was close to him and had time to learn of his mentality and accept it as her own, as a loving daughter would. 17. What role does Antigone’s womanhood play in Creon’s sentence? While Creon still considers making her punishment less harsh, he knows that as king, he must treat everyone in Thebes fairly and punish them accordingly. He questions his judgement momentarily, stating, “Who is the man here, she or I, if this crime goes unpunished?” (209). Creon knows that in the end, Antigone still disobeyed her, even if she is a woman, so she therefore must be castigated and disciplined regardless of her sex. -Puts his manhood at risk 18. How has Ismene changed since we saw her in the Prologue? How does Antigone treat her? Ismene is much less meek than she was in Prologue. Though she does not insult the king, she “confesses” to being just as guilty as Antigone for having a hand in Polyneices’ burial. She believes that life is not worth living if Antigone must die, remarking, “What do I care for life when you are dead?” (212). Antigone does not believe her sister should die just because she would miss her. Antigone has already accepted her death, and does not want her sister to share the same fate, especially for something she did not do. This demonstrates that Antigone places justice and moral behavior above anything else. She was the one who went against the law and not her sister, so she should be the one dying for it. Ode II: 19. What grave fears for Oedipus’ children does this ode express? The ode expresses the fear that if one member of the family or house makes a grave mistake, the rest of their lineage is cursed. This is exhibited by the lines, “Where once the anger of heaven has struck, that house is shaken for ever: damnation rises behind each child” (215). In the case of Antigone, her father Oedipus had committed two main sins; murder and incest. Therefore, his children would be cursed as punishment from the heavens because of his misdoings. 20. How would you explain the ancient wisdom in the line, “Man’s little pleasure is the spring of sorrow”? The ancient wisdom in this line stems from the fact that there is hardly any pleasure in

man’s life, since hardships often overrun his existence. And though there is pleasure, it comes at a price, which is sorrow. The band Depeche Mode quotes a similar idea in their song “Enjoy The Silence,” lamenting, “pleasures remain, so does the pain…” It has been long accepted that the joys of life walk a fine border between the torture of being. Scene 3: 21. Haimon is caught in a conflict of loyalties in this scene. What methods and arguments does he use to try to persuade Creon to change his mind? How does he appeal to his father’s self-interest? Haimon first tries to appeal to his father by remarking that Creon’s judgement is the only thing that matters, which in turn pleases Creon. He recognizes his lower place as the son, stating, “I am your son, father. You are my guide. You make things clear for me, and I obey you” (216). However, when Haimon voices his own opinion, he speaks firmly and with reason. The heated banter between them ends when Haimon leaves in frustration, thinking he had not moved his father. 22. How does Creon react to Haimon’s arguments? What attitudes does Creon seem to take toward women? Creon is initially upset at the way his son is being so forward about his opinions. As the son, it is his duty to not question his father’s words or choice of ruling. Towards the end of the scene, he becomes increasingly more irate and frustrated, since Haimon will not stop trying to assert his own opinions. Creon becomes infuriated enough to threaten Antigone’s death with the son being forced to watch, exclaiming, “Bring the woman out! Let her die before his eyes!” (222). Creon also does not care that she is a woman, since she broke the law and her sex does not matter. She will die regardless. He is more concerned about what the public will think if her life is spared, since it makes Creon look like a weak ruler. 23. What change do we see in the Chorus during Creon’s scene with Haimon? Whose side, if any, is the Choragos on? The Chorus seems to respect Haimon’s view, which is shown by, “You will do well to listen to him, King, if what he says is sensible” (220). Instead of blindly following Creon, they recognize that his son makes many valid points as well. The Choragos does not take any particular side, but warns Creon against his angry son. They also bring up the point that Creon was going to kill both girls, even though only one should be punished. This makes Creon reevaluate his own decision to kill both girls.

24. What event is foreshadowed at the end of the scene between Creon and Haemon? Haimon’s revenge is foreshadowed at the end of the scene between him and Creon by his line, “Not here, no; she will not die here, King. And you will never see my face again” (223). Haimon implies that he will either save her from death, run away with or without her, or will die

with Antigone.

25. What change does Creon make in his plan to kill both Ismene and Antigone? Does this indicate a change in his character? Creon decides that Ismene will not suffer, since he “will not kill the one who’s hands are clean,” (223) and Antigone will not be killed; only banished and forced to live under harsher conditions. This indicates that Haimon’s words had an impact on how harsh he was being to both Antigone and his own son. Ode III: 26. The first ode was about human strengths and limitations, the second was about fate and the vengeance of the gods. What is the subject of this ode? What view does the chorus express? Which lines allude to specific characters in the play? (write out the lines) The subject of this ode is how love is a universal governing force, and that it makes individuals more devoted to their beliefs in fairness and morality. This idea of a ruling force is expressed by the quote, “even the pure Immortals cannot escape you” (224). Even the most powerful gods are affected by love in some form. It is joyously inescapable. The notion that love is also contributes to the pursuit of justice is expressed by “as here you have made bright anger strike between father and son” (224). This refers to the banter between Haimon and Creon. Because Haimon loves Antigone, he is willing to go against his father’s judgement to speak his mind. This shows that individuals under the influence of love (which often acts as a drug) change the weight of personal values. Scene 4: 27. What comfort does the Chorus offer Antigone in this scene? The Chorus says that Antigone will not die without recognition of her attempt to bury her brother, which is seen by some as honorable. Furthermore, she will die in good health, and by the hands of no one else. They state, “Yet not unpraised, not without a kind of honor, you walk at last into the underworld; untouched by sickness, broken by no sword” (225). This was said as a means to comfort her, but instead does not mitigate her anguish. 28. Antigone thinks that the Chorus is making fun of her. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. I do not believe the Chorus is making fun of Antigone. They are simply trying to give her the truth about her predicament, because her father sinned. However, Antigone is quick to assume their comments are directed at her for the sole purpose of making fun of her, because she is short-tempered and acts like a martyr. 29. How does Creon continue to underrate Antigone’s courage and determination?

Creon thinks she is acting like too much of a martyr, and thinks that she should just accept her fate and stop complaining. He remarks passive-aggressively, “If dirges and planned lamentations could put off death, men would be singing forever” (227). 30. Antigone’s punishment has changed. Why does the form of her punishment suit Creon? Creon is very angry with this whole situation. It caused his son to be insubordinate and speak the hard truth to him. Because he loves his son, he chooses to spare Antigone’s life, but in order to show that he is still in control, he punishes her by banishment and chooses not to concern himself with it anymore...