Oedipus and Antigone Test
What three problems are plaguing the people of Thebes?
cattle die
women miscarriage/stillborn
crops dying
According to the priest, how did Oedipus previously save the city of Thebes?
he saved them from the Sphinx and her plague, (solved the riddle)
What does Oedipus say in response to the complaints of his subjects?
he promises to save the city
What does Oedipus say he has already done in an attempt to bring comfort to Thebes?
he sent Creon to ask Apollo what he must do to save the city.
What does Creon say is the cause of the current plague?
The murder of the previous king, Louis
Why had the city neglected their investigation into Laius's murder?
They were besieged with other troubles and The Sphinx, with her riddles, stopped their ears and caused destruction
the one person who wasn’t killed doesn't remember anything
there were no witnesses bc they all died
the killer is living in Thebes
What does Oedipus say he will do and why?
He promised to kill Lauis’ killer because he wanted to expel the evil not just for other people but also for him.
What does Oedipus say the punishment will be for anyone who comes forward now with information about Laius's murderer?
they will be rewarded with gold and walk free
What does Oedipus wish upon the murderer?
they’ll be exiled
Who is Tiresias? Why has he been summoned to the palace?
a blind prophet, to share his gift and solve the murder
How does Teiresias respond to Oedipus's questions?
he didn’t want to share
Who does Teiresias say killed King Laius?
Oedipus
Why might Oedipus believe that his brother-in-law Creon has plotted with Tiresias against him?
he believes that Creon, who introduced him to the prophecy of Tiresias, wants to overthrow him and take his throne
Why is the chorus questioning their faith in this choral ode?
The mix of matching stories and the god's prophecies is wrong
What is ironic about Jocasta’s decision to pray to Apollo?
Apollo is the one who has been saying these prophecies
What is the news the Corinthian messenger shares with Jocasta?
Polybus is dead
How does this news affect Jocasta's faith in the gods and their oracles?
She’s not sure what to believe because Oedipus was supposed to kill him
How does Oedipus react to the news and why?
He is excited because it proves that he did not kill him
Despite this news, what fear still haunts Oedipus?
that he will marry his mother and have kids with her
What secret does the Corinthian messenger reveal to Oedipus?
That Polybus is not his father
How did the Corinthian messenger save Oedipus long ago?
He removed the pin that held his ankles together
Why do you think Jocasta asked Oedipus to give up his search for the Theban shepherd?
Because she has realized that she is his mother
What does Oedipus assume is Jocasta's reason for wanting him to give up his search?
Woman’s pride, He thinks that she is upset that they do not know his mother because they might not be royalty.
How does the Theban shepherd first react to seeing the Corinthian messenger?
he acts as if he doesn’t know him at first
Why is the shepherd so upset by the messenger's mention of Laius and Jocasta's baby?
He knows that he was supposed to kill the baby and yet he didn’t, he gave it away
What means and threats does Oedipus use to get the Theban shepherd to speak?
he says if he doesn’t talk he will make him talk and he will arrest him until he tells the truth
What important fact does the shepherd reveal to Oedipus?
He gave the baby to the messenger who was there.
How does the chorus react to the truth about Oedipus?
They are very stressed and sad about the news and realize that their idolized king has been cursed since birth. They pity him.
What tragic news does the second messenger bring to the chorus?
Jocasta is dead, she killed herself
According to this same messenger, what has Oedipus done to himself?
he stabbed and took his eyes out
Why does Oedipus plan to leave Thebes?
He promised to exile the killer, so he exiles himself.
How does the chorus react to the sight of Oedipus?
They agree that Oedipus should’ve died
How does Oedipus explain his decision to blind himself?
He says it was Apollo and why he would need his eyes if he has nothing he desires to see.
Who now rules Thebes in place of Oedipus?
Creon
What does Oedipus ask of Creon in regard to his daughters?
He watches over them and he wants to be able to hold them in his arms once more. Be their father, and let them live in peace.
What does Creon decide in regard to Oedipus’ request to be exiled?
he says that it is what the gods choose
What does Creon tell Oedipus that he must understand?
the decision to exile him is the gods, not his.
What is your impression of Creon as a leader as the play ends?
he is wise and ready to step up and take this responsibility as a King.
Comprehension Questions
What recent tragedy is revealed in Antigone’s conversation with Ismene? (Lines 1-18)
Their brothers died.
What is Creon’s decree and the penalty for disobeying it? (Lines 19-25)
No one shall bury Polyneices, the penalty is to get stoned to death in the public square.
What does each sister plan to do and why? (Lines 25-65)
Antigone plans to… bury Polyneices and go agaistn Creon
Ismene plans to…not break the law and not go against Antigone
What is Ismene’s view of Antigone’s decision? (Lines 65-85)
She thinks it is wrong to go against the law
How does Antigone feel about Ismene’s decision? (Lines 65-85)
She thinks Isemene is unloyal, Antigone is angry with Ismene and no longer wants her help
According to Antigone, what is the worst kind of death? (Lines 81-82)
death without honor
Analysis
From this brief scene, how would you characterize each sister? (In other words, which adjectives would you use to describe them.)
Antigone -- determined, strong-willed, fiery, driven, independent, loyal to family, headstrong, stubborn
Ismene -- rule follower, obedient, timid, soft-spoken, introverted
Parodos (pp. 697-698)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus recounts the battle between Polyneices and Eteocles and their deaths before expressing their joy that the battle is now over.
Comprehension Questions
What is the “ship” that Creon refers to in his speech? What are the “recent storms” that have threatened it? (Lines 8-20)
The government, ‘recent storms’ as in Polyneices, and the destruction he has caused.
How will private friendships affect Creon’s decisions as king? (Lines 21-35)
Creon asserts that as king, he will prioritize loyalty to the state over personal friendships, ensuring his decisions serve the city's best interests above all else
What are Creon’s opinions of Etocles and Polyneices? How do his opinions of them influence his decision regarding their burials? (Lines 36-52)
Creon views Eteocles as a hero who defended Thebes and deserves an honorable burial, while he condemns Polyneices as a traitor who attacked the city, leading to his decision to deny Polyneices a proper burial as punishment.
What news does the sentry bring to Creon? Why is he so hesitant to share this news with Creon? (Lines 66-87; Line 112)
Polyneices have been lightly buried, but enough for him to pass on. They were freaking out because they didn't en to be the person to tell Creon.
Who does the chorus suggest might be responsible for this incident? (Line 113)
the gods
What is Creon’s response to that suggestion? (Lines 115-126)
He firmly believes that a traitor like Polyneices deserves no respect or proper burial.
What does Creon think may have motivated the guards to allow the body to be buried? (Lines 126-127)
Creon suggests that the guards may have been bribed with money to allow Polyneices' body to be buried, implying that greed motivated their actions.
What will happen to the sentry if he cannot produce the guilty party? (Lines 132-141)
Creon threatens that if the sentry cannot find and bring forward the person responsible for burying Polyneices, the sentry himself will be punished with death.
Analysis
How does the Choragos seem to feel about Creon’s decree? (In other words, does he agree with him?) How do you know? (Lines 56-63)
the Choragos cautiously respect Creon’s authority but don’t fully agree, suggesting hesitance toward the decree.
On the basis of Scene 1, how would you characterize Creon’s strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
Strengths -- dedication to Thebes, firm believer in the laws
Weaknesses -- stubborn, inability to listen to others,
Ode 1 (pp. 705)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus revels at the greatness of humans, who have mastered nature and can self-govern. Yet, they acknowledge that humans have an important limitation: They cannot escape death. Also, they say it’s important to follow laws for the sake of keeping one’s city safe and peaceful.
Comprehension Questions
Why has the sentry brought Antigone to Creon? (Lines 34-44)
The sentry brings Antigone to Creon because he has caught her burying her brother Polyneices, thereby defying Creon's decree against the burial.
What reason does Antigone give for violating Creon’s decree? (Lines 57-63)
Antigone explains that she violated Creon's decree because she believes divine law and the duty to honor the dead are more important than human law.
In Creon’s mind, what are the TWO things Antigone is guilty of? (Lines 80-92)
In Creon’s mind, Antigone is guilty of defying his explicit decree by burying Polyneices and being rebellious against the state's authority, which he sees as a challenge to his rule.
How does Antigone respond to Creon’s insults? (Lines 94-102)
Antigone responds to Creon’s insults with calm defiance, asserting her pride in honoring her brother and refusing to regret her actions.
What motivates Ismene to attempt to share in Antigone’s guilt? (Lines 133-140)
she wants to join her
How does Antigone respond to Ismene? (Lines 131-145)
she refuses her and tells her to save herself
Who is Haimon? How will Creon’s actions affect him? (Lines 154-158)
creon’s son and he was supposed to marry antigone
What does Creon do with Ismene and Antigone at the end of this scene? (Lines 161-165)
Ismene will go free, and Antigone will be locked in a stone vault with food to make himself look less guilty
analysis
After hearing Antigone’s confession, the Choragos call her “headstrong, deaf to reason,” and Creon calls her behavior “anarchy.” How could these descriptions also be applied to Creon?
These descriptions could also apply to Creon because he stubbornly refuses to listen to reason or compromise, enforcing his rigid laws even when they lead to personal and societal ruin.
Ode 2 (p. 713)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus laments that the descendants of Oedipus are doomed to suffer due to the human fault of “arrogance”/“pride” (otherwise known as hubris).
comprehension questions
What is your first impression of Haimon’s relationship with his father? (Lines 8-10)
he is on his father's side and obeys Creoncga.
How does Creon expect children to “behave” towards their parents? (Lines 11-19)
obedient
How does Creon explain his decision to kill Antigone to Haimon? (Lines 26-31)
that if he lets his family rebel, then how will he rule the world. If he lets her just be, then she’ll become more rebellious.
What words could be used to name the kind of leader Creon describes in lines 35-37?
responsible strong, should be obeyed, tyrant, good solider
According to Haimon, what is the public opinion regarding Antigone? (Lines 61-67) Why has Creon not been made aware of this before now? (Lines 57-60)
people say that her death was shameful for doing something so generous. Croen was not aware of this because of his temper
What two analogies does Haimon use to show Creon that it is wise to be flexible? (Lines 80-85)
Trees bending and their twigs being safe and having the sheet tight and going overboard
What does Creon’s question in lines 95-96 reveal about his character?
he's prideful and thinks he is never wrong, he would never take advice from someone younger than him
What might Haimon mean when he says that Antigone’s death will cause another? (Line 119)
he might kill himself
How does Creon ultimately respond to Haimon’s arguments? (Lines 128-131)
he blames her and kills her in front of Haimon
What might Haimon mean when he says: “And you will never see my face again”? (Line 133)
he will leave or he will kill himself
What does Creon decide to do with Ismene? With Antigone? (Lines 140-150)
spare her, and will lock Antigone in a cave and give her enough food to survive.
Analysis
What motives might Haimon have for defending Antigone?
Haimon is in love with her
What is Creon’s attitude towards women? How might this attitude have influenced his decision about Antigone?
he is not a feminist, he thinks it is absurd to take up for woman
What reasons might Creon have for changing his mind about how to punish Antigone?
so Haimnon can’t complain about her death
Ode 3 (p. 721)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus describes love as an “unconquerable” force, powerful enough to drive a wedge between father and son.
comprehension questions
What two things does Antigone ask of the chorus? (Lines 25-32)
to wait to laugh at her until she is dead
What does Antigone blame for her tragic fate? (Lines 37-44)
Oedipus and the Family Line
How does the Chorus argue against Antigone’s view? (Lines 45-48)
they say only her actions caused her death
In lines 56-57, what view does Creon reassert regarding his role in Antigone’s death?
He says if she lives or dies, that's her affair. His hands are clean.
What does Antigone pray happens to Creon? (Lines 68-70)
She prays his punishment will be equal to hers.
Analysis
How is Antigone’s mood in this scene different from earlier scenes?
She is feeling sorry for herself now; in the beginning, she was more brave and confident.
Ode 4 (p. 726)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus compares Antigone’s fate to that of other Greek figures, such as Danae, Lycurgos, and Cleopatra, who were all imprisoned and punished by fate.
According to Teiresias, what has caused the gods’ anger? (Lines 25-32)
Creon's decision to leave Polynices unburied
What does Teiresias ask Creon to do? (Lines 32-40)
Fix his mistake and bury him polyneices
What does Teiresias say is the “only crime”? (Line 35)
pride
How does Creon react to Teiresias’ warnings? (Lines 41-69)
He becomes angry and accuses Teiresias of lying for money and refuses to bury polyneices
What does Teiresias foretell that gets Creon’s attention? (Lines 70-88)
Someones in creons family will die
After talking to the Choragos, what does Creon realize he must do? (Lines 94-109)
Release Antigone and bury polyneices
Summary: In this ode, the chorus prays to Dionysos and begs for mercy for Antigone.
This interruption in the action of the play serves several purposes: it marks the passage of time, builds suspense, and reminds the audience of the religious purpose of the play, honoring Dionysos.
comprehension questions
What news does the messenger bring to the Choragos? (Lines 19-20)
Haimon has killed himself
Who is Eurydice? (Lines 24-25)
she’s the queen, Creon’s wife, Haimon’s mother
Summarize the story the messenger tells Eurydice. (Lines 32-76)
First, he and Creon went to put polyneices bodies to rest. Then, they went to Antigone's vault, where they found Haimon grieving over antigones dead body (she had hanged herself). Haimon attempts to stab Creon but misses and stabs himself.
What is Eurydice’s response to this tragic news? (Line 77)
She says nothing and goes into the palace.
After Creon’s arrival, what new information does the messenger share with him? (Line 102)
His wife, Eurydice, has killed (stabbed) herself.
What does Creon pray for now? (Lines 127-129)
he prays for himself to die, he has nothing to live for
Paraphrase the moral of the play as stated by the Choragos? (Lines 139-142)
We should not let pride get in the way of doing what's morally right
Analysis
Do you think Creon is justified in taking all the blame upon himself? Why or why not?
Creon set these events in motion but Antigone, haimon, and Eurydice all made the decision to kill themselves.
What three problems are plaguing the people of Thebes?
cattle die
women miscarriage/stillborn
crops dying
According to the priest, how did Oedipus previously save the city of Thebes?
he saved them from the Sphinx and her plague, (solved the riddle)
What does Oedipus say in response to the complaints of his subjects?
he promises to save the city
What does Oedipus say he has already done in an attempt to bring comfort to Thebes?
he sent Creon to ask Apollo what he must do to save the city.
What does Creon say is the cause of the current plague?
The murder of the previous king, Louis
Why had the city neglected their investigation into Laius's murder?
They were besieged with other troubles and The Sphinx, with her riddles, stopped their ears and caused destruction
the one person who wasn’t killed doesn't remember anything
there were no witnesses bc they all died
the killer is living in Thebes
What does Oedipus say he will do and why?
He promised to kill Lauis’ killer because he wanted to expel the evil not just for other people but also for him.
What does Oedipus say the punishment will be for anyone who comes forward now with information about Laius's murderer?
they will be rewarded with gold and walk free
What does Oedipus wish upon the murderer?
they’ll be exiled
Who is Tiresias? Why has he been summoned to the palace?
a blind prophet, to share his gift and solve the murder
How does Teiresias respond to Oedipus's questions?
he didn’t want to share
Who does Teiresias say killed King Laius?
Oedipus
Why might Oedipus believe that his brother-in-law Creon has plotted with Tiresias against him?
he believes that Creon, who introduced him to the prophecy of Tiresias, wants to overthrow him and take his throne
Why is the chorus questioning their faith in this choral ode?
The mix of matching stories and the god's prophecies is wrong
What is ironic about Jocasta’s decision to pray to Apollo?
Apollo is the one who has been saying these prophecies
What is the news the Corinthian messenger shares with Jocasta?
Polybus is dead
How does this news affect Jocasta's faith in the gods and their oracles?
She’s not sure what to believe because Oedipus was supposed to kill him
How does Oedipus react to the news and why?
He is excited because it proves that he did not kill him
Despite this news, what fear still haunts Oedipus?
that he will marry his mother and have kids with her
What secret does the Corinthian messenger reveal to Oedipus?
That Polybus is not his father
How did the Corinthian messenger save Oedipus long ago?
He removed the pin that held his ankles together
Why do you think Jocasta asked Oedipus to give up his search for the Theban shepherd?
Because she has realized that she is his mother
What does Oedipus assume is Jocasta's reason for wanting him to give up his search?
Woman’s pride, He thinks that she is upset that they do not know his mother because they might not be royalty.
How does the Theban shepherd first react to seeing the Corinthian messenger?
he acts as if he doesn’t know him at first
Why is the shepherd so upset by the messenger's mention of Laius and Jocasta's baby?
He knows that he was supposed to kill the baby and yet he didn’t, he gave it away
What means and threats does Oedipus use to get the Theban shepherd to speak?
he says if he doesn’t talk he will make him talk and he will arrest him until he tells the truth
What important fact does the shepherd reveal to Oedipus?
He gave the baby to the messenger who was there.
How does the chorus react to the truth about Oedipus?
They are very stressed and sad about the news and realize that their idolized king has been cursed since birth. They pity him.
What tragic news does the second messenger bring to the chorus?
Jocasta is dead, she killed herself
According to this same messenger, what has Oedipus done to himself?
he stabbed and took his eyes out
Why does Oedipus plan to leave Thebes?
He promised to exile the killer, so he exiles himself.
How does the chorus react to the sight of Oedipus?
They agree that Oedipus should’ve died
How does Oedipus explain his decision to blind himself?
He says it was Apollo and why he would need his eyes if he has nothing he desires to see.
Who now rules Thebes in place of Oedipus?
Creon
What does Oedipus ask of Creon in regard to his daughters?
He watches over them and he wants to be able to hold them in his arms once more. Be their father, and let them live in peace.
What does Creon decide in regard to Oedipus’ request to be exiled?
he says that it is what the gods choose
What does Creon tell Oedipus that he must understand?
the decision to exile him is the gods, not his.
What is your impression of Creon as a leader as the play ends?
he is wise and ready to step up and take this responsibility as a King.
Comprehension Questions
What recent tragedy is revealed in Antigone’s conversation with Ismene? (Lines 1-18)
Their brothers died.
What is Creon’s decree and the penalty for disobeying it? (Lines 19-25)
No one shall bury Polyneices, the penalty is to get stoned to death in the public square.
What does each sister plan to do and why? (Lines 25-65)
Antigone plans to… bury Polyneices and go agaistn Creon
Ismene plans to…not break the law and not go against Antigone
What is Ismene’s view of Antigone’s decision? (Lines 65-85)
She thinks it is wrong to go against the law
How does Antigone feel about Ismene’s decision? (Lines 65-85)
She thinks Isemene is unloyal, Antigone is angry with Ismene and no longer wants her help
According to Antigone, what is the worst kind of death? (Lines 81-82)
death without honor
Analysis
From this brief scene, how would you characterize each sister? (In other words, which adjectives would you use to describe them.)
Antigone -- determined, strong-willed, fiery, driven, independent, loyal to family, headstrong, stubborn
Ismene -- rule follower, obedient, timid, soft-spoken, introverted
Parodos (pp. 697-698)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus recounts the battle between Polyneices and Eteocles and their deaths before expressing their joy that the battle is now over.
Comprehension Questions
What is the “ship” that Creon refers to in his speech? What are the “recent storms” that have threatened it? (Lines 8-20)
The government, ‘recent storms’ as in Polyneices, and the destruction he has caused.
How will private friendships affect Creon’s decisions as king? (Lines 21-35)
Creon asserts that as king, he will prioritize loyalty to the state over personal friendships, ensuring his decisions serve the city's best interests above all else
What are Creon’s opinions of Etocles and Polyneices? How do his opinions of them influence his decision regarding their burials? (Lines 36-52)
Creon views Eteocles as a hero who defended Thebes and deserves an honorable burial, while he condemns Polyneices as a traitor who attacked the city, leading to his decision to deny Polyneices a proper burial as punishment.
What news does the sentry bring to Creon? Why is he so hesitant to share this news with Creon? (Lines 66-87; Line 112)
Polyneices have been lightly buried, but enough for him to pass on. They were freaking out because they didn't en to be the person to tell Creon.
Who does the chorus suggest might be responsible for this incident? (Line 113)
the gods
What is Creon’s response to that suggestion? (Lines 115-126)
He firmly believes that a traitor like Polyneices deserves no respect or proper burial.
What does Creon think may have motivated the guards to allow the body to be buried? (Lines 126-127)
Creon suggests that the guards may have been bribed with money to allow Polyneices' body to be buried, implying that greed motivated their actions.
What will happen to the sentry if he cannot produce the guilty party? (Lines 132-141)
Creon threatens that if the sentry cannot find and bring forward the person responsible for burying Polyneices, the sentry himself will be punished with death.
Analysis
How does the Choragos seem to feel about Creon’s decree? (In other words, does he agree with him?) How do you know? (Lines 56-63)
the Choragos cautiously respect Creon’s authority but don’t fully agree, suggesting hesitance toward the decree.
On the basis of Scene 1, how would you characterize Creon’s strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
Strengths -- dedication to Thebes, firm believer in the laws
Weaknesses -- stubborn, inability to listen to others,
Ode 1 (pp. 705)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus revels at the greatness of humans, who have mastered nature and can self-govern. Yet, they acknowledge that humans have an important limitation: They cannot escape death. Also, they say it’s important to follow laws for the sake of keeping one’s city safe and peaceful.
Comprehension Questions
Why has the sentry brought Antigone to Creon? (Lines 34-44)
The sentry brings Antigone to Creon because he has caught her burying her brother Polyneices, thereby defying Creon's decree against the burial.
What reason does Antigone give for violating Creon’s decree? (Lines 57-63)
Antigone explains that she violated Creon's decree because she believes divine law and the duty to honor the dead are more important than human law.
In Creon’s mind, what are the TWO things Antigone is guilty of? (Lines 80-92)
In Creon’s mind, Antigone is guilty of defying his explicit decree by burying Polyneices and being rebellious against the state's authority, which he sees as a challenge to his rule.
How does Antigone respond to Creon’s insults? (Lines 94-102)
Antigone responds to Creon’s insults with calm defiance, asserting her pride in honoring her brother and refusing to regret her actions.
What motivates Ismene to attempt to share in Antigone’s guilt? (Lines 133-140)
she wants to join her
How does Antigone respond to Ismene? (Lines 131-145)
she refuses her and tells her to save herself
Who is Haimon? How will Creon’s actions affect him? (Lines 154-158)
creon’s son and he was supposed to marry antigone
What does Creon do with Ismene and Antigone at the end of this scene? (Lines 161-165)
Ismene will go free, and Antigone will be locked in a stone vault with food to make himself look less guilty
analysis
After hearing Antigone’s confession, the Choragos call her “headstrong, deaf to reason,” and Creon calls her behavior “anarchy.” How could these descriptions also be applied to Creon?
These descriptions could also apply to Creon because he stubbornly refuses to listen to reason or compromise, enforcing his rigid laws even when they lead to personal and societal ruin.
Ode 2 (p. 713)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus laments that the descendants of Oedipus are doomed to suffer due to the human fault of “arrogance”/“pride” (otherwise known as hubris).
comprehension questions
What is your first impression of Haimon’s relationship with his father? (Lines 8-10)
he is on his father's side and obeys Creoncga.
How does Creon expect children to “behave” towards their parents? (Lines 11-19)
obedient
How does Creon explain his decision to kill Antigone to Haimon? (Lines 26-31)
that if he lets his family rebel, then how will he rule the world. If he lets her just be, then she’ll become more rebellious.
What words could be used to name the kind of leader Creon describes in lines 35-37?
responsible strong, should be obeyed, tyrant, good solider
According to Haimon, what is the public opinion regarding Antigone? (Lines 61-67) Why has Creon not been made aware of this before now? (Lines 57-60)
people say that her death was shameful for doing something so generous. Croen was not aware of this because of his temper
What two analogies does Haimon use to show Creon that it is wise to be flexible? (Lines 80-85)
Trees bending and their twigs being safe and having the sheet tight and going overboard
What does Creon’s question in lines 95-96 reveal about his character?
he's prideful and thinks he is never wrong, he would never take advice from someone younger than him
What might Haimon mean when he says that Antigone’s death will cause another? (Line 119)
he might kill himself
How does Creon ultimately respond to Haimon’s arguments? (Lines 128-131)
he blames her and kills her in front of Haimon
What might Haimon mean when he says: “And you will never see my face again”? (Line 133)
he will leave or he will kill himself
What does Creon decide to do with Ismene? With Antigone? (Lines 140-150)
spare her, and will lock Antigone in a cave and give her enough food to survive.
Analysis
What motives might Haimon have for defending Antigone?
Haimon is in love with her
What is Creon’s attitude towards women? How might this attitude have influenced his decision about Antigone?
he is not a feminist, he thinks it is absurd to take up for woman
What reasons might Creon have for changing his mind about how to punish Antigone?
so Haimnon can’t complain about her death
Ode 3 (p. 721)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus describes love as an “unconquerable” force, powerful enough to drive a wedge between father and son.
comprehension questions
What two things does Antigone ask of the chorus? (Lines 25-32)
to wait to laugh at her until she is dead
What does Antigone blame for her tragic fate? (Lines 37-44)
Oedipus and the Family Line
How does the Chorus argue against Antigone’s view? (Lines 45-48)
they say only her actions caused her death
In lines 56-57, what view does Creon reassert regarding his role in Antigone’s death?
He says if she lives or dies, that's her affair. His hands are clean.
What does Antigone pray happens to Creon? (Lines 68-70)
She prays his punishment will be equal to hers.
Analysis
How is Antigone’s mood in this scene different from earlier scenes?
She is feeling sorry for herself now; in the beginning, she was more brave and confident.
Ode 4 (p. 726)
Summary: In this ode, the chorus compares Antigone’s fate to that of other Greek figures, such as Danae, Lycurgos, and Cleopatra, who were all imprisoned and punished by fate.
According to Teiresias, what has caused the gods’ anger? (Lines 25-32)
Creon's decision to leave Polynices unburied
What does Teiresias ask Creon to do? (Lines 32-40)
Fix his mistake and bury him polyneices
What does Teiresias say is the “only crime”? (Line 35)
pride
How does Creon react to Teiresias’ warnings? (Lines 41-69)
He becomes angry and accuses Teiresias of lying for money and refuses to bury polyneices
What does Teiresias foretell that gets Creon’s attention? (Lines 70-88)
Someones in creons family will die
After talking to the Choragos, what does Creon realize he must do? (Lines 94-109)
Release Antigone and bury polyneices
Summary: In this ode, the chorus prays to Dionysos and begs for mercy for Antigone.
This interruption in the action of the play serves several purposes: it marks the passage of time, builds suspense, and reminds the audience of the religious purpose of the play, honoring Dionysos.
comprehension questions
What news does the messenger bring to the Choragos? (Lines 19-20)
Haimon has killed himself
Who is Eurydice? (Lines 24-25)
she’s the queen, Creon’s wife, Haimon’s mother
Summarize the story the messenger tells Eurydice. (Lines 32-76)
First, he and Creon went to put polyneices bodies to rest. Then, they went to Antigone's vault, where they found Haimon grieving over antigones dead body (she had hanged herself). Haimon attempts to stab Creon but misses and stabs himself.
What is Eurydice’s response to this tragic news? (Line 77)
She says nothing and goes into the palace.
After Creon’s arrival, what new information does the messenger share with him? (Line 102)
His wife, Eurydice, has killed (stabbed) herself.
What does Creon pray for now? (Lines 127-129)
he prays for himself to die, he has nothing to live for
Paraphrase the moral of the play as stated by the Choragos? (Lines 139-142)
We should not let pride get in the way of doing what's morally right
Analysis
Do you think Creon is justified in taking all the blame upon himself? Why or why not?
Creon set these events in motion but Antigone, haimon, and Eurydice all made the decision to kill themselves.
