A - Context (not finished)

Sophocles

495-406 BC

Antigone written in 441 BC

Antigone is 3rd in order, but it was written first

From a wealthy family in Athens

Well educated

Surrounded by powerful figures daily

Elected general of the athenian military

Constant backdrop of war

Witnessed prisoners of war being tied to posts and left to rot and unburied

Religious conservative

Concerned about an individuals need to find a place in the existing moral and cosmic order

Plays taught moral lessons, often against pride and religious indifference

Wrote Antigone to enter the festival of Dionysus competition

Historical

Democracy

Warning to Pericles (uncrowned king of Athens)

Mans law vs Gods law

Polytheism - belief in wording many gods with different powers and roles

Ekklesia made up citizens

Women were seen as voiceless

Social

Patriarchal society

Women restricted to oikos (household)

Burial rights

Cultural

Festival of Dionysus

·      Theatre of Dionysus

o   Semi circular

o   Seats carved out of the hill side

o   Located in the heart of Athens

o   Could seat 17,000

o   Due to its design, sound could be heard throughout the theatre