Antigone by Sophocles

Who is Antigone?

The daughter of Oedipus and sister of Ismene, Polyneices, and Eteocles. She defies King Creon’s orders by burying her brother Polyneices because she believes divine law outweighs state law.

Who is Ismene?

Antigone’s sister. She refuses to help bury Polyneices because she believes that as women, they are not made to fight against men or the state.

Who is Creon?

The new King of Thebes and uncle of Antigone. He values loyalty to the state above all else and views a ruler who keeps his mouth shut out of fear as the “the worst of men”.

Who is Haemon?

Creon’s son and Antigone’s fiance. He is found in the tomb embracing Antigone’s body and commits suicide by stabbing himself with a sword after spitting in his father’s face.

Who is Eurydice?

The Queen of Thebes and wife of Creon. After hearing the news of her son Haemon’s suicide, she returns to the palace to take her own life.

Who are Eteocles and Polyneices?

The two brothers of Anitgone and Ismene. They killed each other on the same day during a civil war. Eteocles is honored as a defender of Thebes, while Polyneices is branded a traitor.

What order does Creon issue regarding the brothers’ bodies?

Eteocles is to receive a proper military burial with full honors, while Polyneices is to be left unburied and unwept to be eaten by birds and dogs.

What is the penalty for disobeying Creon’s decree?

Creon initially states that anyone who acts against the order will be stoned to death before the city.

How does Creon decide to punish Antigone specifically?

Instead of stoning, he decides to hide her alive in a rocky cavern (tomb) with only a small amount of food to absolve the city of guilt.

How does Antigone die?

She commits suicide by hanging herself with a noose made of fine woven linen inside the tomb.

What happens when Creon goes to the tomb to free Antigone?

He finds Antigone dead and Haemon grieving. Haemon tries to attack Creon but misses, then kills himself. Creon is left alive to suffer the guilt of his “thoughtlessness”.

Why is burial considered so important in the play?

It is a religious duty; Greeks believed every human deserves a proper burial. Leaving a body unburied violates the laws of the gods and is considered a “shameful fate”.

What is Creon’s “Ship of State” philosophy?

Creon compares the country to a ship, believing that safety and stability are paramount. He believes friends can only be made when the “ship” (state) is sailing on its proper course.

What is the Chorus’s view on human nature?

They view man as the most “wonderful” and resourceful creature, capable of conquering the earth, sea, and beasts. However, the one thing man cannot escape or conquer is death.

How does Antigone view her death?

She sees her tomb as a “bridal chamber” where she will marry Acheron (Death/Hades) rather than a human husband. She hopes the be welcomed by her deceased family.

What reason does Ismene give for not burying the body?

She argues that they are “by birth women” and should not fight against men, and that since rulers are more powerful, they must obey even harsh commands.

What is the “curse” Antigone refers to?

The curse of the House of Labdakos, stemming from her father Oedipus (who killed his father and married his mother). She feels her life and misfortunes are a continuation of this family destiny.