Discussion questions/Study Guide for Antigone

Antigone
STUDY GUIDE
Prologue:
1. What new suffering must Antigone and Ismene endure?
2. Contrast Ismene and Antigone in terms of their character traits.
3. What does Antigone plan to do? Why? What consequences will she face?
4. What background information does the chorus provide as they express gratitude for the
peace in Thebes?
Scene I:
1. What is Creon’s attitude toward the chorus?
2. Explain the elaborate metaphor Creon uses to describe the country and the King’s role as its
Leader. How could this image be an example of foreshadowing?
3. Why does Creon order that Eteocles be buried with great honors but that Polynices’ body
be left to rot on the battlefield where it lay?
4. How does Creon justify his order not to bury Polynices?
5. What is Antigone’s most notable characteristic in this scene?
6. Why is it so important to Antigone that she give Polynices a burial?
7. Describe Ismene’s personality.
8. How does Ismene feel about Antigone?
9. For what reason has Creon called the chorus to the palace to speak with them?
10. How does Creon see himself in regard to his duty to the state?
11. What news does the sentry bring? How does Creon treat the sentry?
12. What character traits does Creon show in this scene?
13. Why does Creon become angry with the chorus?
14. What is Creon’s belief regarding money and corruption? Do you agree with him?
15. What comment is the chorus making about mankind? Consider the following conclusion to
which they come: “But he that, too rashly daring, walks in sin / In solitary pride to his
life’s end.”
Scene II:
1. What does the sentry report this time? What mixed feelings does he have?
2. Explain the metaphor in the following quote: “Truly I could have sworn / It
would be long indeed ere I came hither / Under that hail of threats you rained on me.”
What effect does the comparison have on Creon’s characterization?
3. What does Antigone make clear to Creon?
4. What is the chorus’ opinion of Antigone?
5. Creon asks Antigone, “Do [the people] fear my anger or my justice?” What does Antigone
respond?
6. When Creon asks Antigone her opinion about rewards and punishments in the next life,
how does she answer his question?
7. When Ismene tries to take part of the blame/credit, Antigone refuses to let her. Do you
think that Antigone is trying to shield her sister from harm, or is she so stubborn and
headstrong that she would not let Ismene take any of the credit because Ismene refused to
become involved when Antigone had first asked her?
8. How does Creon treat Ismene and Antigone? What does he decide to do with them?
9. Give another example of Creon’s insensitivity.
10. What comment does the chorus make about life and about the power of the gods?
Scene III:
1. When Haemon arrives, what is the first question that Creon asks him?
2. In the discussion that follows, in what direction does Haemon try to lead the conversation?
3. Haemon tells Creon that in some cities they are speaking of individual freedom and giving
everyone the right to speak his thoughts. Why is Creon opposed to this?
4. What is the reason Creon gives when he claims it is necessary for him to condemn
Antigone?
5. What further points does Creon make to his son?
6. What counterpoints does Haemon make to his father?
7. What opinion does the chorus express?
“Both have spoken well.”
8. When Creon refuses to listen to his son and they continue to argue, what does Creon reveal
about himself?
9. Do you agree with Haemon that an act of disobedience, if it is an honorable act, is to be
admired?
10. What threats does Haemon make to his father?
11. What does Creon tell the chorus he plans to do?
12. Why does Creon decide on this method for Antigone’s death?
13. What does the chorus praise? For what do they pray?
14. The quote beginning “O Love…” is an example of what literary device?
15. What does the chorus suggest brought on Antigone’s trouble?

Scene IV:
1. What is Antigone’s attitude toward the decree of Creon?
2. What does Antigone tell us is her only regret?
3. In this scene, what is Creon’s comment that makes him sound more and more like a tyrant?
4. What is the chorus’ attitude toward Antigone?
5. Explain the chorus’ statement about Antigone, “Still the same storms possess her with the
same precipitance of spirit.”
6. The chorus compares Antigone to other defiant, strong-willed people. What does the
chorus see as the result of this kind of behavior?

Scene V:
1. Explain the metaphor in Tiresias’ statement to Creon, “Now again / Think, thou dost walk
on fortune’s razor-edge.” How is this a warning to Creon?
3. What have the birds to do with Tiresias?
4. How does Creon react to Tiresias’ advice?
5. Of what does Creon accuse Tiresias?
6. What warnings does Tiresias give Creon?
7. Identify and explain the simile that appears twice in this scene.
8. What is the effect of Tiresias’ warnings on Creon?
9. How does the chorus advise Creon?
10. Creon listens to the chorus, but is still reluctant to release Antigone. Why?
11. Why does the chorus praise the gods?

Scene VI:
1. What news does the messenger bring about luck?
2. How does Antigone end her imprisonment in the cave?
3. How does the audience hear about what happened to Haemon?
4. What is Eurydice’s reaction?
5. What is Creon’s attitude toward these events?
6. Explain the final words, the judgment of the chorus.


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