Antigone

According to his first speech, what does Creon value above friendship?

Creon claims to care more about public welfare than anything. In other words, anything done to endanger the kingdom will be punished regardless to the culprit's relation to the king.

Flat Characters

one dimensional and superficial; they can be described in a single sentence. (Choragos, Ismene, Sentry)

Who was allowed to act in the theater?

only males.

Antistrophe

part of the ode chanted as the chorus moves back across the stage from left to right

Strophe

part of the ode that the chorus chants as it moves from right to left across the stage

Describe the role of the masks.

Amplified the actors voice, stylized into familiar character types- distinguished between characters.

Explain the two metaphors Haimons uses to attempt to persuade his father to listen to his advice.

"In flood time you can see how some trees bend.." "Sailboat will sail.." They both say that things change, even stubborn things, therefore Creon should change his mind about Antigone.

List two examples from Creon's lines that exemplify his ideas about governing; then summarize Creon's views of government in your own words.

"My voice is the one voice giving orders in this city" and "he who is chosen to govern should be obeyed". Both are dangerous for any leader, as the altitude indicates that no one's opinions is valid other than the King's. This would mean that the beliefs and concerns of the people have no effect on governing of their own kingdom. The Second quote indicates that a leader need not to be right or fair in his judgement, but that he must be obeyed regardless. These sentiments sound more akin of a tyrant or dictator.

Two major elements of Greek tragedy according to Aristotle.

1). There must be a plot that depicts a dramatic change from prosperity to misfortune for the protagonist caused my HAMARTIA(inherent flaw/error in judgement) or HUBRIS(false sense of pride in one's own positivity) 2). Must invoke dual emotions in the audience:pity and fear pity for the hero's misfortune and fear that such misfortune can happen to you(leads to CATHARSIS)

How many actors are there? Chorus?

2-3 actors; 12-15 chorus

The Trickster

A fun character who survives by wits or skill rather than strength or power (EX:Hermes, Bart Simpson)

What is a "paean"?

A hymn in praise of a god

Protagonist

Admired,but flawed; confronted by hostile forces such as society, life rules, family, or fate; character often refuses to acquiesce to such forces and is forced to make important moral decisions.

This Cult reached where and when?

Athens, the mecca of Greek civilization, around 600 BC. Then evolved into what we know now as theater.

Ways to think about/define myths?

Describe historical events, represent timeless philosophical and psychological truths, symbolic representations of important natural processes.

What can we assume Creon's attitude towards women is? How does this reflect Ismene's attitude from the Prologue? What can we assume about the status of women in this Greek culture?

He comments at ease at which Antigone could be replaced as well as the sexual innuendo apparent in his comment about "pushing his plow" leading the reader to believe that Creon has no respect for females. He obviously thinks they are "disposable" and beneath men. This reflects Ismene's attitude when she remarks that she is a women and cannot, therefore, fight against the men. She also sees women as weak and submissive to men. This points to the fact that women were not highly respected and considered inferior in this culture.

How does Creon react to all that has happened in the Exodus?

He finally recognizes his own hand in the matter. He blames himself for all the tragedy that has occurred and he now wished for his own death to escape from immense grief.

What reason might Creon have to question his son's loyalty in Scene 3?

He is concerned that Haimon's loyalty might have shifted to Antigone. She may have seduced him into turning against his father.

How did Sophocles change theater?

Increased chorus from 12 to 15, used painted scenery, used 3 actors instead of 2.

What did the Greeks believe would happen without catharsis?

Humans would be tempted to act upon crude and base emotions and commit immoral crimes against the gods and humanity.

What final appeal does Ismene make to Creon regarding Antigone's life? What is Creon's first response to this appeal?

Ismene reminds Creon that Antigone is engaged to marry Creon's son. She points out that he would be punishing his son by taking his love away from him. Creon is unconcemed; he says there are plenty of other women available and his son can replace Antigone with a less wicked woman.

Characteristics of Tragic Hero

Larger than life- memorable person, of noble birth, presence of a tragic flow(Hamartha), realization of the flaw by the end of the play

To what other character from Greek mythology does she compare herself with? Why?

Niobe. Like Niobe, who lost her children and was turned into a stone statue, Antigone has lost her family and is to be imprisoned in stone. She can relate to Niobe's loneliness and unfair imprisonment in her death. Niobe was also punished for being an arrogant braggart, a trait similar to Antigone.

Summarize the messenger's message about the "condition of human life".

No person's fate is permanent. Happy people can suddenly experience tragedy and become unhappy and the unfortunate can always have change in fortune and become happy. The messenger notes that regardless of wealth, power, and success, any man can be made unhappy. Such is the case with Creon. The messenger would rather be lowly but a happy messenger than being a king with unhappy fate.

Does Antigone fit the tragic hero description?

No- doesn't realize the flaw.

Describe the Theater of Dionysus.

Outdoor amphitheater, semicircular football stadium, seats were carved on a hill, from was a rounded place called orchestra, and back was a platform where actors spoke lines.

Why do you think Creon changes his mind about the fates of Ismene and Antugone at the end of the scene?

Perhaps Haimon got through to him to some extent after all. Ismene is innocent and he doesn't want Antigone's blood on his hands, causing the gods to be angry with him. If he locks her up and provides necessities, whatever happens is left up to the gods.

What were some of the celebrations of this Cult's religious rites?

Practices of emotional release

Stock Characters

Predictable or stereotypical characters that appear throughout literary works (Sentry-Comic relief)

Explain Antigone's statement: "Think me a fool, if you like; but it may well be that a fool convicts me of folly."

She is calling Creon a fool. He blames her for foolishly breaking the law, but she believes he is foolish for disobeying the gods-that is the ultimate foolishness, and the wrath of the gods is powerful and inescapable.

How has Antigone's demeanor or tone changed in this scene? Why do you think this change has taken place?

She is not quite as stoic and tough as she was and now she wants pity from the chorus for her dire situation. Perhaps the reality of the situation and impending doom is finally setting in. She may have believed that she might get out of this considering her position as princess and the support she has from the citizenry.

What is Antigone's "double insolence", according to Creon?

She is proud of breaking the law and brags about it.

What happens to Eurydice? What do her final words indicate?

She kills herself out of grief for her dead sons. She blames and curses Creon for the deaths of her sons.

The Transgressor

Someone who breaks the rules and gets in trouble for it (EX:Prometheus, Jekyll)

In Scene I, what does the Sentry bravely suggest might be causing the king so much distress?

The Sentry says that it isn't his voice or the news that bothers the king, but perhaps it is the king's conscience that is giving him pause, indicating perhaps that the king is having second thoughts about his decree.

What assumptions does the chorus make regarding the gods, particularly Zeus, in the "Parados"?

The assume that the gods, particularly Zeus, interceded on behalf of Thebes and helped drive back Polyneices and his Argive army. This would indicate that the gods were on Thebes' side;therefore, they must be right in their actions.

What event is the chorus describing in the "Parados" and what is their opinion of Polyneices?

The chorus details the events of the battles between Polyneices and Eteocles and the respective armies, including the death of the brothers. They indicate that Polyneices is a traitor to the kingdom because he brought the army against his own people. They also think that Polyneices is very arrogant.

Parados in Antigone

The chorus recounts the battle between 2 brothers, Polyneices and Eteocles, and their armies; the chorus suggests that Zeus intervened on the side of Eteocles and drove back the Argive army

What is an Exodus?

The final, or exit scene, of the play.

What is Catharsis?

The purging and release of powerful/negative emotions-important concept to the Greeks

What began to be the main outlet for such purgation?

Theater

Who or what does the chorus represent in this play?

They are the elders. Older, more experienced men who's opinions should be respected and taken under advisement. They are representatives of citizens of Thebes.

The Cult of Dionysis originated where?

Thrace- area in Nothern Greece

Define Archetype.

Typical character with universal elements who appears in mythology in all cultures.

Dionysis is the Greek god of _____.

Wine and fertility

Dynamic Characters

change in an important way because of the stories action (Creon)

Round Characters

complex and multidimensional, like real people. (Antigone, Creon)

From these practices, we derive what words?

hysteria, ecstasy, and catharsis

What is the New Cult that rises after the Cult of Dionysis spread throughout Greece?

included a chorus of up to 50 men dressed as satyrs (part goat part man) who performed with musical instruments, chanted, and danced in honor of Dionysis.

What is the orchestra?

large space where the chorus sang and danced around the remnant of an altar.

Choragos

leader of the chorus

Allusion

reference to another literary source

Theatre evolved from ___ dating back to ______ from the Cult of _____.

religious rites, 1200 BC, Dionysis

Ode

the choral song that follows each scene in a Greek tragedy; purpose is to separate scenes (in lieu of curtain) and to provide the chorus's response to the preceding scene

What is a MYTH?

An old story, rooted in a particular society, that explains a belief, ritual, or some mysterious aspect of nature.

What happened in Athens between 600 and 500 BC?

Dramatic competitions were created, many theaters were constructed theater and dramatists/playwrights became extremely popular.

What is Antigone's defense when Creon asks her why she defied his law?

Antigone believes its her responsibility to obey the laws of the gods first, which dictates she is bound to bury loved ones to ensure the rest of the soul and to protect herself from the god's wrath. Creon is only a man therefore his laws can't stand against the laws of the gods. It is more important to obey the god's eternal laws than man's laws and consequences. She knows she is a mortal and will die anyways.

What does Antigone have in common with the mythological characters alluded to in Ode 4?

Characters are all imprisoned into stone, some wrongfully(Danae, Cleopatra) as Antigone will be. There is another connection between Oedipus and Perseus who were fated to kill family patriarchs both of whom tried unsuccessfully to prevent the prophecy from occurring. In addition, there are connections with theme of blindness and stubborn oppressive rulers.

Foil

Characters who have contrasting or opposite qualities

What is Creon's decree and what is the punishment if one does not obey this decree?

Creon decrees that Eteocles receives a hero's burial, but Polyneices' body is not to be touched or buried and is to be left to rot on the battlefield for traitorous acts. Anyone who attempts to disobey will be stoned to death in a public square.

Explain how the last speech of the Choragos describes Creon's current situation.

Creon has been unwise and brought about his own unhappiness by defying the gods. He has been too prideful and stubborn and though he finally learned his lesson, he learned it too late.

How does Creon fit the tragic hero definition?

Creon is born of nobility and is a well known Theban. He has a tragic flaw, his stubborn pride, which leads to his downfall. By the end of the story, he does recognize his flaw an that his flaw brought calamity upon himself.

Explain the Sentry's statement: "How dreadful it is when the right judge judges wrong?"

Creon is the rightful king, as he is the only male heir left in the family. He has not come to the throne by force or in any unjust manner. The kingdom has been placed in his hands fairly. Unfortunately, being the right man for the job doesn't mean he is going to make the right decisions and assumptions.. The Sentry knows Creon is wrong, because he knows that he isn't responsible for what Creon is accusing him of.

Why do you think that Creon also arrests Ismene, even though she was not caught at the scene?

Creon noticed she's been moping around and since the two are sisters, he assumes her moping is due to keeping her sister's secret, making her an accomplice. He is under a false/paranoid impression that the sisters are plotting to overthrow him.

What god is being honored in the paean and why?

Dionysis- Firstly, theatre originated in his cult so it is fitting that he should be referenced in a play. Secondly, he is the grandson of the founder of Thebes (Cadmus) therefore people of Thebes sort of see him as their patron god. They ask for help, as they know Creon has incurred the wrath of the gods, Dionysis may be their only hope.

Static Characters

Do not change much or at all during the story (Choragos)

Prologue in Antigone

Establishes the central moral issue and basis conflicts of the tragedy-loyalty to family, religion, and civil rights (the "public good")

Aeschylus

Famous Greek dramatist/playwright, added antagonist, teacher/mentor of many famous future dramatists including Sophocles

Thespis

Famous greek dramatist(Athenian), added protagonist character, created traveling theater troupe,modern word thespian meaning actor comes from Thespis.

Summarize Haimon's appeal to his father in this scene. What are his tactics? What are his arguments?

Haimon begins by flattering his father proclaiming loyalty to him. He knows his father's temper therefore he knows he must approach him in an appeasing manner, both calm and respectful. Then he gently attempts to convince his father to be more reasonable. He explains that while Creon is certainly able to reason, it is also sensible to listen to others opinions who have ability to reason as well. He warns Creon that people in the kingdom disagree with him and his lack of flexibility could cause problems with those in the kingdom who have different ioinions. He explains that it is sometimes necessary and the most reasonable thing to do is compromise.

The Hero

Has a mission that only he can do and goes to complete it (EX: Hercules, Luke Skywalker)

How does Creon's tone change in his first speech from the beginning to the end?

He begins with a conciliatory, grateful, understanding tone as he explains that he appreciates the loyalty of the people and knows that he must earn their respect. He makes promises to the people about commitment to the good of the kingdom. He then turns to his decree and begins to sound threatening and indignant, indicating anyone who disobeys him will suffer.

Why is it ironic that Teiresias is blind?

He can figuratively see everything (as prophets see the future) but literally he can see nothing.

What does Teiresias cite as Creon's crimes, and what does the prophecy say will happen if he does not do something to correct them?

He refused to bury Polyneices as demanded by the gods and he has wrongfully imprisoned Antigone for doing her duty to the dead and gods. If he doesn't take action to repair these wrongs, he will bring wrath of the gods to himself, his family, and his kingdoms. He warns that he will pay corpse for corpse from his own family members for those he mistreated.

How does Creon justify his decision regarding Polyneices?

He says that Polyneices brought the army against his own people, a traitorous act. Creon believes the traitor should be punished, not honored, as a hero like Eteocles. Therefore, Polyneices will receive no burial.

What information does Haimon provide to the king about the people and their opinions on the matter at hand? Who else in the play has suggested this to Creon?

He says that the people feel that not only should Antigone not be punished, but that she should be praised for the courageous and selfless act. He explains to Creon that no one will admit this because they fear his temper, like Antigone mentioned earlier.

What does Creon decide by the end of the scene? Why?

He will take Teiresias' advice and the Choragos and bury Polyneices and release Antigone. He is finally frightened by possible wrath of the gods. He finally understands that he should not deny the laws of the gods.

What do the last three lines of Ode 2 say about fate and man?

It says that fate will ultimately cause pain and sorrow for man.. Man may do something that brings temporary joy, but in the end, fate will always bring man sorrow, especially considering that every man's final fate is death, which is sorrowful. It also refers to Antigone's pleasure gained by burying her brother which will lead to sorrowful consequences.

Why is Creon indebted to Teiresias?

It was Teiresias who revealed the truth of Oedipus about fulfillment of the prophecy, causing Oedipus to leave Thebes. This eventually leads Creon to being on the throne as king. Therefore Teiresias is indirectly responsible for Creon's position as king.

What is the message of Ode 3? How is it similar to Ode 1?

Love is not conquerable and even pure immortals can not conquer it. It is similar bc the first ode talks about how man can not escape death.

The Great Dionysia

Major drama festival/competition in honor of Dionysis, held in Athens every March, 3 playwrights participated contributing 4 plays each, lasted 6 days, festival included parades performances and parties

What is the main idea of Ode 1?

Man is an awesome creature, able to conquer everything in his path (seas, animals,weather) but there is one thing man can't conquer: death. This will always conquer every man.

What are most tragedies based on?

Myth

Who are the dead brothers of Antigone and Ismene and how did they die?

Polynieces and Eteocles take turns ruling Thebes, alternating years. When Polyneices' year came, Eteocles refused to step down and banished Polyneices from the kingdom. Polyneices went to neighboring kingdom of Argos and returned with an army to fight against his brother for the throne. During the battle, the two engaged in hand to hand combat and slew each other.

To what important part of Greek culture was drama closely related?

Religion

What do all myths have in common?

Represent reality and human condition, find them in all cultures, all use the same archetypes.

How does Antigone react when she is caught by the sentries?

She does not resist anything. She calmly submits to arrest and cooperates without fight.

What is Antigone's attitude toward death?

She knows she is a mortal and is gong to die anyway. She feels it would be better to go now and having done the right thing than live later and suffer the consequences for ignoring the duty to her brother and the gods. She also notes that she is surrounded by wickedness, so death will not be unwelcome.

The Destroyer

Takes things apart for the sake of destroying (EX: Hades, Darth Vader)

What is the opinions of the Choragos regarding what Teiresias has said?

The Choragos is an old man and in all his years he has never known Teiresias to be wrong and Creon had better take his advice immediately.

The Temptress

Uses looks as her power; amoral, not evil; her nature is to be irresistible (EX:Aphrodite, Juliet)

Explain the event of the deaths of Haimon and Antigone.

When Haimon goes to Antigone's cell to rescue her, he finds out that she has already committed suicide by hanging herself with her veil. Soon after, Creon enters and Haimon attempts to kill him by lunging at him with his sword. He misses and in his deep despair, turns the sword on himself. As he dies, he pulls his dead bride into his arms.

How does the chorus react to Antigone's claim that her fate is the fault of the family curse?

While they acknowledge the family curse, they do not attribute Antigone's current grief to it. They point out that she acted freely knowing the consequence before hand. She has only herself to blame this time.

Sophocles

Wrote Antigone, wrote over 120 plays only 7 survive, beat Aeschylus in Great Dionysia and won at least 20 more and came in second in many others, considered favorite of Greek people and the gods, handsome wealthy charming, appointed to political/military positions due to his popularity.

Where and when did theater originate?

ancient Greece between 600 and 200 BC

Parados

first ode or choral song in a Greek tragedy, chanted by the chorus as it enters the area in front of the stage