Antigone Questions and Answers
Antigone
The role and contributions of the chorus in Antigone
The chorus in Antigone serves several roles, including providing background information, reflecting the public opinion, and commenting on the actions and events of the play. They help to convey the...
Antigone
The meaning of the choral odes in Antigone by Sophocles
The choral odes in Antigone by Sophocles provide commentary on the events of the play, reflecting on themes such as fate, the gods, and the nature of human suffering. They offer insight into the...
Antigone
Parallels between Antigone and modern society
Parallels between Antigone and modern society include the conflict between individual morals and state laws, as well as the theme of civil disobedience. Just as Antigone defies Creon's edict to honor...
Antigone
In Antigone, how does the "Ode to Man" capture the play's main issues?
The "Ode to Man" in Antigone captures the play's main issues by highlighting humanity's remarkable abilities and their limitations, particularly the inevitability of death. The ode emphasizes that...
Antigone
What is the works cited entry for Antigone by Sophocles?
The works cited entry for Sophocles’s Antigone in MLA format is: Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by Richard Emil Braun, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1973. Print. Another example is: Sophocles....
Antigone
What are significant scenes in Sophocles' Antigone?
Significant scenes in Sophocles' Antigone include the opening scene, where Antigone reveals her intention to defy Creon's edict and bury her brother Polynices. The third scene is crucial as Creon...
Antigone
What rhetorical devices (ethos, pathos, logos) are used in the dialogue between Haemon and Creon about freeing Antigone?
In the dialogue between Haemon and Creon about freeing Antigone, all three rhetorical devices—ethos, pathos, and logos—are employed. Haemon uses logos by presenting logical arguments and analogies,...
Antigone
What is a good thesis statement for an essay about Sophocles' play Antigone?
A good thesis statement for an essay on Sophocles' Antigone could focus on the play's exploration of conflict between religious law and man-made law. Antigone's defiance of Creon's edict to honor...
Antigone
Tiresias' Prophecy and Creon's Response in Antigone
In "Antigone," Tiresias prophesies that Creon's refusal to bury Polynices and his punishment of Antigone will bring disaster upon Thebes and his own family. Creon initially reacts with anger and...
Antigone
What are examples of dramatic irony in the beginning of Antigone?
In "Antigone," dramatic irony is evident when Creon tells his son Haemon that rulers must not yield to women, unaware that Antigone, Haemon's fiancée, has defied his orders and buried her brother....
Antigone
Punishments of Creon and Antigone in Sophocles' Antigone
In Sophocles' Antigone, Creon is punished by the loss of his son Haemon and his wife Eurydice, who both commit suicide, leaving him in profound grief. Antigone faces punishment by entombment alive...
Antigone
How closely are the unities followed in Antigone?
Antigone closely follows the three unities of action, time, and place. The play's action centers on Antigone's attempt to bury her brother, occurs within a single day, and is set in front of the...
Antigone
What myths are alluded to in Sophocles' Antigone?
Sophocles' "Antigone" alludes to several Greek myths, including the tale of Danaë, who was imprisoned by her father, paralleling Antigone's fate of being entombed alive by Creon to avoid direct...
Antigone
In Antigone, what is the significance of the simile used to describe the Argos army?
The simile describing the Argos army as an "eagle screaming, winging havoc over the land" highlights the formidable threat they posed to Thebes. This imagery emphasizes the fear and danger associated...
Antigone
What type of love is portrayed in the play Antigone?
The play portrays various types of love, including unconditional and conditional love. Antigone shows unconditional love for her brother Polyneices, defying Creon’s decree to ensure his burial, while...
Antigone
What do these quotes from Antigonê mean and how do they remain relevant throughout the play?
The quotes from "Antigone" highlight key character traits and themes. Choragos's line about "the folly of stubborn men" foreshadows Creon's downfall due to his inflexibility. Creon's "toughest iron"...
Antigone
In Antigone, how does Haemon attempt to reason with his father?
Haemon attempts to reason with his father, Creon, by respectfully presenting the potential political consequences of executing Antigone. He emphasizes Antigone's popularity among the citizens of...
Antigone
What songs reflect life lessons in Sophocles' Antigone?
In "Antigone," Tiresias offers life lessons on humility and the dangers of pride, paralleling Frank Sinatra's "My Way," which reflects on personal choices. Creon's disdain for materialism aligns with...
Antigone
What does Haimon's statement, "It is no City if it takes orders from one voice," reveal about ancient Greeks' view of...
Haimon's statement reflects the ancient Greek preference for democratic governance, particularly in Athens, where citizens actively participated in political life. The quote criticizes the notion of...
Antigone
The significance and contrast between blindness and sight in Antigone
The contrast between blindness and sight in Antigone symbolizes the characters' insight and ignorance. Tiresias, the blind prophet, represents true vision and wisdom, while characters like Creon, who...
Antigone
What role does religion play in government in Sophocles' Antigone?
Religion in "Antigone" plays a critical role in highlighting the conflict between divine and human laws. Creon initially governs without regard for religious laws, prioritizing his own authority....
Antigone
What are the similarities and differences between the Greek chorus in Sophocles' and Anouilh's versions of Antigone?
In Anouilh, the chorus is an expression of the nature of tragedy, while in Sophocles they are more related to the plot.
Antigone
How can Antigone's life be related to our current lives?
Antigone's life is relatable today through its exploration of conflicts between personal morality and societal laws, highlighting human pride and stubbornness. The play's themes of gender inequality...
Antigone
Can you provide an example of alliteration in the story Antigone?
He uses alliteration in his speech to make it more memorable, and to make it seem that he has a strong argument, when in fact he is making up the charges against Antigone as he goes along.
Antigone
Why does Sophocles use a messenger to describe events in Antigone instead of showing them directly?
Sophocles uses a messenger in "Antigone" to describe events rather than showing them directly, following Greek drama conventions where violence and death occur offstage for religious or ethical...
Antigone
How is the exposition provided in Antigone?
Antigone provides the exposition of Sophocles's Antigone in her dialogue with her sister, Ismene, in the prologue of the the play. Antigone reveals that her uncle Creon, the king of Thebes, has...
Antigone
What opinions does the chorus express in Sophocles' Antigone?
The chorus in Sophocles' Antigone initially views Antigone as reckless and stubborn, criticizing her for acting rashly. They describe her as following her father's fierce nature without compromise....
Antigone
What assumptions does Creon make about the gods in Antigone?
Creon believes that the gods are cruel and vindictive. The gods, he thinks, want Polyneices left to rot, unburied and unhonored. However, the gods do not want this--they want Antigone to bury her...
Antigone
Can you explain the meaning of these quotes from Antigone?
The quotes from Antigone reflect key themes and character traits. Choragos highlights Antigone's agency in her fate, emphasizing personal responsibility. His "like father, like daughter" comment...
Antigone
Do Antigone and The Great Gatsby show individuals control their own destiny?
Antigone and The Great Gatsby present differing views on destiny. In Antigone, destiny is largely predetermined by divine curse, reflecting Greek beliefs in inevitable fate. Antigone's choices are...
Antigone
What are some important symbols in Sophocles' Antigone?
In Sophocles' Antigone, significant symbols include Antigone's stone tomb and Queen Eurydice's knitting. The tomb represents Antigone's loyalty to her family and spiritual values over earthly laws,...
Antigone
Antigone's Alignment with Aristotle's Tragedy Principles
Sophocles' Antigone aligns with many of Aristotle's principles of tragedy from his Poetics, though not perfectly. The play features noble characters, a serious and complete plot, and evokes emotions...
Antigone
In Antigone, what does Haemon claim "no marriage means more" than?
In "Antigone," Haemon claims that "no marriage means more" than his father's "continuing wisdom." This statement reflects Haemon's attempt to assure Creon of his loyalty and respect, emphasizing that...
Antigone
How does Antigone compare to a contemporary play, movie, or TV show?
Antigone is similar to contemporary dramas in the way it deals with the complexities of politics, gender roles, and tradition. For instance, the contemporary show The Crown depicts challenges Queen...
Antigone
In Antigone, what does the quote "robbed of two brothers both dying the same day by doubled hand" mean?
The quote refers to Antigone and Ismene losing their brothers, Polynices and Eteocles, who died on the same day in battle against each other. After Oedipus's exile, the brothers agreed to alternate...
Antigone
What future do the city elders in Antigone look forward to, as described in their speeches?
The city elders in "Antigone" look forward to a future of peace and celebration after the recent wars. In their speeches, they express a desire to forget the conflicts and engage in joyous...
Antigone
Do you have a personal connection to 'Antigone'?
Personal connections to "Antigone" include admiration for her courage in standing by her principles, even against death, and her struggle with familial and societal conflicts. Many relate to her...
Antigone
What are two arguments Ismene presents against burying Polyneices?
Ismene argues against burying Polyneices by emphasizing that, as women, they are subject to men's authority and should not defy Creon's decree. She also fears that defying the king could lead to a...
Antigone
How can I analyze the following quotation from Antigone?
This quotation highlights Haemon's initial loyalty to his father, Creon, prioritizing paternal guidance over his engagement to Antigone. Creon, embodying traditional Greek paternal authority, values...
Antigone
In Antigone, what observations does the chorus make in I.1 & I.2 on page 23?
In I.1 and I.2, the chorus in "Antigone" reflects on the fate of Oedipus's family, suggesting that divine anger due to past sins continues to afflict them. They note the misfortunes of the Labdacus...
Antigone
What characteristic does a tragic hero always possess?
A tragic hero always possesses a flaw or mistake, often termed "hamartia," which leads to their downfall. According to Aristotle, this character is typically a person of high status who undergoes a...
Antigone
What do the following quotes from Antigone mean?
The quotes from "Antigone" emphasize the importance of recognizing and correcting mistakes rather than stubbornly persisting in error. The first metaphor compares a captain who doesn't adjust his...
Antigone
How are Antigone, Gertrude, and Ophelia similar?
Antigone, Gertrude, and Ophelia are similar as tragic figures affected by familial and societal pressures. Antigone and Gertrude both pursue their goals with determination, though Antigone is more...
Antigone
What would be suitable horoscopes for Antigone, Ismene, and Creon in Sophocles' Antigone?
In Sophocles' "Antigone," suitable horoscopes for the characters are Cancer for Antigone, Taurus for Ismene, and Aries for Creon. Antigone embodies Cancer traits with her strong-willed, protective...
Antigone
What are some differences between Sophocles' Antigone and Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
The main difference between Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Sophocles' Antigone is that Shakespeare's play is more directly concerned with the individual's relationship to the state, whereas...
Antigone
How essential is the chorus to Sophocles' play Antigone?
The chorus in Sophocles' play is essential for multiple reasons. It serves as a character that interacts with other characters, such as Creon, influencing his development and eventual realization of...
Antigone
What does the chorus of Antigone consider a virtue?
The chorus in Sophocles' Antigone considers yielding to sound counsel and authority a virtue. They urge characters like Creon to heed advice from others, such as Haemon and Teiresias, emphasizing the...
Antigone
In Antigone, how does Queen Eurydice react to her son’s death?
In Sophocles's Antigone, Queen Eurydice reacts to the news of her son's death by returning in silence to the palace and stabbing herself to death before the altar. With her dying breath, she calls...
Antigone
Do you agree with the conclusion of Sophocles' Antigone?
The conclusion of Sophocles' "Antigone" invites reflection on the tragic outcomes and the characters' decisions. Antigone's suicide, along with Haemon's and Eurydice's, can be seen as understandable...
Antigone
Comparison of King Saul in 1 Samuel and Creon in Antigone
Both King Saul in 1 Samuel and Creon in Antigone demonstrate the tragic flaws of pride and stubbornness. Saul's disobedience and jealousy lead to his downfall, whereas Creon's inflexibility and...