Antigone--Full Play
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Classical Greek tragedy
Play: Antigone by Sophocles
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Play written by Sophocles
English version by Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald
Characters: Antigone, Ismene, Eurydice, Creon, Haimon, Teiresias, a sentry, a messenger, chorus
Setting: Before the Palace of Creon, King of Thebes
Time: Dawn of the day after the repulse of the Argive army from the assault on Thebes
Prologue: Antigone and Ismene discussing a new decree by King Creon
Prologue:
Antigone and Ismene enter from the central door of the Palace
Antigone mentions the curse on Oedipus and the grief they have already gone through
Antigone asks if Ismene has heard about the new decree of King Creon
Ismene says she has heard nothing except that two sisters lost two brothers and the Argive army fled in the night
Antigone wanted Ismene to come out with her because there is something they must do
Antigone explains the background of the new decree and the penalty of stoning to death in the public square
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Ismene questions Antigone's strange way of speaking
Antigone reveals that Creon buried their brother Eteocles with military honors but forbids the burial of their other brother, Polyneices
Antigone plans to bury Polyneices and asks Ismene to come with her
Ismene is hesitant and mentions the danger and what Creon will do
Antigone says Creon is not enough to stand in her way
Ismene mentions the deaths of Oedipus, Iocaste, and their two brothers, and the danger of going against Creon
Ismene believes they should give in to the law and not meddle
Antigone insists on burying their brother and says the crime is holy
Ismene is afraid for Antigone
Antigone tells Ismene to keep it a secret, but Ismene promises to tell everyone
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Ismene warns Antigone about the consequences and advises against trying the impossible
Antigone tells Ismene to leave and says she will be hating her soon
Antigone is not afraid of the danger and is willing to face death without honor
Ismene tells Antigone to go if she feels she must, but considers her a loyal friend
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Ismene asks Antigone not to tell anyone and promises to keep it a secret
Antigone insists on telling everyone and mentions the consequences if Ismene knew and didn't say anything
Ismene warns Antigone to be cold with fear
Antigone says she is doing what she must and is not afraid of the danger
Ismene tells Antigone to go if she feels she must and considers her a loyal friend
Chorus enters
Parodos:
Chorus describes the rising sun and the glory it brings to Thebes
Mentions the enemy being thrown backward from the blaze of morning
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Choragos describes Polyneices as their commander who roused them with windy phrases
Polyneices insulted their land like a wild eagle screaming
His wings were their shields of snow and his crest their marshaled helms
The famished spears came against their seven gates in the night
But before they could be defeated, Thebes fought back and Polyneices was thrown back
Thebes rose like a dragon behind him, shouting war
God hates bragging tongues and blasted the first man from their walls
Seven captains at seven gates yielded their arms to the god of battle
Only Polyneices and Eteocles, brothers, faced each other in combat
Thebes celebrates their victory with singing and dancing
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Creon, the new King of Thebes, addresses the chorus
Creon praises the chorus for their loyalty to the previous kings
Creon announces that Eteocles will be buried with full military honors, but Polyneices will have no burial
Creon believes that no traitor should be honored and that loyalty to the state is paramount
The chorus agrees to follow Creon's command
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Creon warns that anyone who breaks the law will receive no support
The sentries have been appointed to enforce the law
A sentry enters and hesitates to deliver his news
The sentry reveals that someone has given burial to Polyneices' body
The sentry does not know who did it and pleads for mercy
Creon demands to know who dared to bury Polyneices
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Accusations among the men
Each man accuses the other of the crime
They all have proof that they couldn't have done it
The men are willing to go to extreme measures to prove their innocence
Willing to take hot iron in their hands
Willing to walk through fire
Willing to swear by all the gods
The SENTRY is telling the story, not noticing CREON's rage
Someone suggests that one of them has to deliver the news
They throw dice and the bad luck falls on the SENTRY
The SENTRY is not happy to be the one delivering the news
CHORAGOS wonders if the gods are responsible
CREON angrily dismisses the idea that the gods would favor the corpse
CREON believes that anarchists are responsible for the crime
He accuses them of bribing his own guard
CREON believes that money is demoralizing
He threatens the SENTRY to find the man responsible or face death
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The SENTRY suggests that the gods are not responsible, but rather the actions of men
CREON is distressed by the SENTRY's voice
The SENTRY questions if it's his voice or CREON's conscience that is distressing him
CREON becomes angry at the SENTRY's analysis
The SENTRY says that it's not what he says, but what has been done that hurts CREON
CREON tells the SENTRY that he talks too much
The SENTRY says he has done nothing wrong
CREON accuses the SENTRY of selling his soul for money
The SENTRY comments on the wrong judgment of the right judge
The SENTRY expresses his desire to bring the man responsible to CREON
The SENTRY declares that he is done with the situation and leaves
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The CHORUS praises the wonders of man
Man has conquered the sea and the land
Man has tamed animals and harnessed their power
Man has mastered language and thought
Man has secured himself against many dangers, but not death
The CHORUS reflects on the power and fate of man
When laws are kept, the city stands proudly
When laws are broken, the city suffers
The CHORUS rejects the anarchic man and declares their thoughts are not his thoughts
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The SENTRY returns with ANTIGONE, who is accused of the crime
The CHORAGOS recognizes ANTIGONE as the Princess
The SENTRY presents ANTIGONE as the guilty one
CREON questions why ANTIGONE has been brought here
The SENTRY insists that he saw ANTIGONE burying the body
CREON asks for more details
The SENTRY describes the condition of the body and the storm that occurred
After the storm, they found ANTIGONE at the burial site
The SENTRY has seen a mother bird return to a stripped nest, similar to ANTIGONE's actions
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Antigone found her brother's bare corpse and cried bitterly
She cursed the hands that had done this
She sprinkled wine three times for her brother's ghost
Antigone was not afraid when confronted about her actions
She admitted to defying the law
Creon questions Antigone about her actions
Antigone confesses and denies nothing
Antigone believes that the laws of God are more important than human laws
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Antigone is willing to die for her actions
She sees death as a friend in the face of evil
Creon accuses Antigone of insulting her brother's memory
Antigone believes in honoring all the dead
Creon believes that enemies, even dead ones, should not be honored
Antigone argues that love, not hate, is her nature
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Antigone believes she should be praised for her actions
Creon disagrees with Antigone's opinion
Antigone argues that the gods determine what is wicked, not humans
Creon tells Antigone to find her love in hell
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Creon accuses Ismene of being involved in the crime
Ismene confesses her guilt, but Antigone denies her involvement
Ismene wants to join Antigone in punishment, but Antigone refuses
Antigone believes that the dead and the gods know the truth
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Ismene wants to die with Antigone, but Antigone refuses
Antigone tells Ismene to save herself
Creon comments on the girls' behavior
Ismene cannot imagine living without Antigone
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Creon informs Ismene that Antigone is already dead.
Ismene protests, saying that Antigone was Haimon's bride.
Creon dismisses the idea, saying there are other women for his sons.
Ismene expresses sympathy for Haimon and criticizes Creon.
Choragos questions Creon about stealing Haimon's bride.
Creon sarcastically replies that death will take care of that.
Choragos asks if Antigone must die.
Creon dismisses the question and orders the guards to take Ismene and Antigone away.
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Chorus reflects on the consequences of divine vengeance.
Describes the lasting impact of divine anger on a family.
Chorus mentions the curse on Oedipus' children.
Chorus laments the downfall of Oedipus' lineage.
Chorus emphasizes the power of Zeus and the curse of heaven.
Chorus warns about the consequences of straying from wisdom.
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Choragos informs Creon that Haimon has arrived.
Creon questions Haimon's motive for coming.
Haimon declares his loyalty and obedience to his father.
Creon praises Haimon for his obedience and warns against being swayed by Antigone.
Creon insists that Antigone must die for breaking the law.
Creon expresses his determination not to show weakness or break his word.
Creon asserts that he will not tolerate rebellion or criticism.
Creon emphasizes the importance of obedience and discipline.
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Haimon acknowledges his father's wisdom but suggests considering other opinions.
Haimon criticizes Creon's temper and lack of awareness of public sentiment.
Haimon shares the public's sympathy for Antigone's actions.
Haimon urges Creon to reconsider and not believe he is always right.
Haimon argues that it is not reasonable to never yield to reason.
Haimon uses the analogy of bending trees and sailing to support his argument.
Haimon asks Creon to let himself be moved and learn from others.
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Choragos advises the King to listen to Haimon if what he says is sensible
Choragos: "You will do well to listen to him, King, If what he says is sensible."
Haimon believes that age should not determine who is right or wrong
Haimon: "It is not right If I am wrong. But if I am young, and right, What does my age matter?"
Haimon does not support criminals, but he does not consider Antigone a criminal
Haimon: "Not at all. I pay no respect to criminals."
Haimon questions the City's authority to teach him how to rule
Haimon: "The City proposes to teach me how to rule?"
Haimon challenges Creon's claim that he is the only voice giving orders in the City
Haimon: "It is no City if it takes orders from one voice."
Creon accuses Haimon of being influenced by a woman
Creon: "This boy, it seems, has sold out to a woman."
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Haimon expresses his concern for Creon, even in the midst of their disagreement
Haimon: "If you are a woman: my concern is only for you."
Creon accuses Haimon of engaging in a public brawl with justice
Creon: "With justice, when all that I do is within my rights?"
Haimon believes that Creon is trampling on God's right
Haimon: "You have no right to trample on God's right."
Creon insults Haimon, calling him a fool and accusing him of being influenced by a woman
Creon: "Fool, adolescent fool! Taken in by a woman!"
Haimon asserts that every word he says is not just for the woman he loves, but also for Creon and the gods
Haimon: "And for you. And for me. And for the gods under the earth."
Haimon suggests that if Antigone dies, it will cause another death
Haimon: "Then she must die. But her death will cause another."
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Creon threatens Haimon, saying he will regret his superior tone
Creon: "I swear you'll regret this superior tone of yours!"
Haimon acknowledges that if Creon were not his father, he would consider him perverse
Haimon: "If you were not my father, I'd say you were perverse."
Haimon decides to leave and never see Creon again
Haimon: "And you will never see my face again."
Choragos warns Creon that a young man in a rage can be dangerous
Choragos: "Creon, a young man in a rage is dangerous!"
Creon declares that he will not spare Antigone's life, but will spare the other girl who is innocent
Creon: "I will not kill the one whose hands are clean."
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Creon plans to imprison Antigone in a vault of stone in the wilderness
Creon: "I will carry her far away Out there in the wilderness, and lock her Living in a vault of stone."
Creon hopes that the gods of hell will either show Antigone an escape from death or teach her the futility of showing piety to the dead
Creon: "Perhaps they will show her an escape from death, Or she may learn, though late, That piety shown the dead is pity in vain."
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The Chorus sings an ode about the power of love and how it has caused a conflict between father and son
Antigone enters, guarded, and the Choragos expresses his sadness and inability to hold back tears
Choragos: "But I can no longer stand in awe of this, Nor, seeing what I see, keep back my tears."
Antigone laments her impending death and bids farewell to the sun
Antigone: "Look upon me, friends, and pity me Turning back at the night's edge to say Good-by to the sun that shines for me no longer."
The Chorus praises Antigone for her honorable death and questions if any other woman has faced death with such dignity
Chorus: "Yet not unpraised, not without a kind of honor, You walk at last into the underworld; Untouched by sickness, broken by no sword. What woman has ever found your way to death?"
Antigone compares her death to that of Niobe and feels the loneliness of her death
Antigone: "How often I have heard the store of Niobe, Tantalos' wretched daughter, how the stone Clung fast about her, ivy-close: and they say The rain falls endlessly And rifting soft snow; her tears are never done. I feel the loneliness of her death in mine."
The Chorus acknowledges Antigone's bravery and the presence of Justice in her situation
Chorus: "You have passed beyond human daring and come at last Into a place of stone where Justice sits"
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Antigone expresses her bitterness towards her birth and the blasphemy associated with it.
She feels cold towards the words of the chorus and the light of the sun.
She wants to be led to her vigil, where there will be no love, lamentation, or song, only silence.
Creon interrupts impatiently and dismisses the idea that dirges and lamentations can delay death.
He orders the servants to take Antigone to the vault and leave her alone there.
He states that whether she lives or dies is her own affair, and their hands are clean.
Antigone speaks to the tomb, expressing her anticipation of being reunited with her loved ones in the afterlife.
She mentions her father, mother, and her dear brother Polyneices.
She believes she has done no wrong and prays for Creon to be punished if he is guilty.
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Creon expresses his confidence that Antigone's guards will regret their delay.
Antigone questions Creon's assertion that his voice is not the voice of death.
Antigone addresses Thebes, her father's gods, and the rulers of Thebes, lamenting her fate as the last unhappy daughter of kings.
She mentions the suffering she endures because she refuses to transgress the laws of heaven.
Antigone tells the guards to take her away, indicating that she is ready to face her fate.
The chorus sings an ode about the beauty of Danae and the power of destiny.
They mention how Danae was locked away but still received love from Zeus.
They emphasize that no wealth, war, or ships can overcome destiny.
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The chorus continues their ode, recounting stories of horror and the consequences of defying the gods.
They mention how Dryas' son faced the god's anger and was sealed in deaf stone.
They tell a tale of a king's new woman who blinded his sons out of hatred for the imprisoned queen.
The chorus reflects on the tragic fate of a woman whose marriage brought her joy but also led to her downfall.
Teiresias, a blind prophet, enters with a boy and addresses Creon.
Teiresias describes a disturbing omen he witnessed with the birds, indicating that Creon is responsible for a new calamity.
He mentions the corruption of dogs and carrion birds feasting on the corpse of Oedipus' son.
Teiresias warns Creon that the gods are deaf to their prayers and their offerings are rejected.
He advises Creon to yield and correct his course, as pride is the only crime.
Creon dismisses Teiresias' warnings and asserts his refusal to yield, even if the gods themselves were to intervene.
He declares that he is not afraid of pollution and that no man can defile the gods.
Creon suggests that Teiresias should focus on making money instead of persuading him to bury the dead.
Note: The transcript provided is incomplete, and the note may not capture all the details and nuances of the original text.
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Teiresias accuses Creon of selling his wisdom for profit
Creon challenges Teiresias to share his wisdom
Teiresias claims that wisdom is more valuable than wealth
Creon suggests that bribes are more disgraceful than anything else
Teiresias calls Creon sick and accuses him of selling out
Creon acknowledges that he cannot challenge a prophet
Teiresias accuses Creon of saying that his prophecy is for sale
Creon claims that prophets have always loved gold
Teiresias counters that kings have always loved brass
Creon reminds Teiresias that he is speaking to a king
Teiresias asserts that Creon is king because of him
Creon accuses Teiresias of selling out
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Teiresias warns Creon that he will pay for his actions
Teiresias predicts that Creon will suffer the loss of loved ones
Teiresias accuses Creon of denying the gods their due
Teiresias warns Creon of the punishment that awaits him
Teiresias taunts Creon, saying that he cannot afford his words
Teiresias leaves with the boy, mocking Creon's anger
Choragos comments on the impact of Teiresias' words
Choragos acknowledges that Teiresias has always been truthful
Creon admits that Teiresias' words trouble him
Choragos advises Creon to take action
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Choragos advises Creon to free Antigone and bury Polyneices
Creon questions whether he should follow Choragos' advice
Choragos insists that Creon must act quickly
Creon agrees to free Antigone and bury Polyneices
Creon orders his servants to bring axes and accompany him to the tomb
Creon expresses his unease but resolves to follow the gods' laws
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Chorus sings a hymn to Iacchos, the son of Semele and Zeus
Chorus praises Iacchos as the guardian and regent of Thebes
Chorus calls upon Iacchos to come and bring joy to Thebes
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Messenger addresses the people of Thebes
Messenger reflects on the uncertainty of human life
Messenger recounts Creon's past happiness and current downfall
Messenger suggests that a person is dead when they lose their joy
Messenger reveals that Haimon is dead by his own hand
Messenger implies that Haimon was driven mad by his father's actions
Choragos reflects on Teiresias' foresight
Messenger concludes by stating that the audience must draw their own conclusions from the news
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Eurydice overheard something and fainted at the temple
Messenger tells Eurydice what he saw
Went with Creon to where Polyneices was lying
Prayed to Hecate and Pluto for mercy
Bathed the corpse and burned what was left of it
Saw Antigone lying in the vault, heard wailing
Creon begged them to make haste and see if it was Haimon or a deception of the gods
They saw Antigone lying with a noose around her neck and Haimon beside her, lamenting her
Haimon spat in Creon's face, drew his sword, and stabbed himself
Haimon died with Antigone in his arms
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Eurydice leaves without a word
Messenger thinks she went to her chamber to weep for her dead son
Choragos fears the deep silence
Messenger decides to see what Eurydice is doing and goes into the palace
Creon enters with Haimon's body
Choragos comments on Creon's appearance
Creon says nothing can touch him anymore, his own blind heart brought him to darkness
Creon mourns Haimon's death and admits he was the fool
Choragos agrees that Creon was late in learning the truth
Creon says a god has crushed him and driven him to trample on what he held dear
Messenger returns and tells Creon there is more burden in his house
Messenger reveals that the Queen is dead
Creon laments the deaths of his wife and son
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Messenger says the Queen welcomed the knife and cursed Creon before dying
Creon is sick with fear and asks if there are any swords to kill him
Messenger says the curse is upon Creon for the deaths of both his wife and son
Creon accepts his guilt and asks to be led inside
Choragos agrees that the briefest way is best in a world of sorrow
Creon prays for death and says he doesn't want to see the sun again
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Choragos tells Creon not to pray anymore as the sky is deaf
Creon is led away, admitting his rashness and foolishness
Creon looks for comfort but finds his comfort lies in death
Creon realizes that everything he has touched has come to nothing
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Choragos speaks directly to the audience
Says there is no happiness without wisdom
Big words are always punished
Proud men in old