Exploring Characters in Antigone

What motivates Antigone to defy King Creon's edict and bury her brother Polynices?

• Fear of punishment

• Loyalty to her family

• Desire for power

• Hatred for Creon

Answer explanation

Antigone's motivation to defy Creon's edict stems from her loyalty to her family. She believes it is her duty to honor her brother Polynices with a proper burial, prioritizing familial loyalty over the king's orders.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which central conflict drives the plot of "Antigone"?

• The conflict between love and hate

• The conflict between individual rights and state law

• The conflict between wealth and poverty

• The conflict between youth and age

Answer explanation

The central conflict in "Antigone" revolves around the clash between individual rights, represented by Antigone's moral duty to bury her brother, and state law, embodied by Creon's decree against it.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Compare Antigone's decision to bury her brother with Ismene's decision to obey Creon's law. What does this reveal about their characters?

• Antigone is more rebellious, while Ismene is more submissive.

• Antigone is more fearful, while Ismene is more courageous.

• Antigone is more selfish, while Ismene is more selfless.

• Antigone is more logical, while Ismene is more emotional.

Answer explanation

Antigone's choice to bury her brother defies Creon's law, showcasing her rebellious nature. In contrast, Ismene's decision to obey highlights her submissiveness, revealing a fundamental difference in their characters.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the relationship between Creon and Haemon. How does their relationship change throughout the play?

• It starts as a loving father-son relationship but deteriorates due to their conflicting views.

• It starts as a hostile relationship and becomes more understanding.

• It remains unchanged throughout the play.

• It starts as indifferent and becomes more affectionate.

Answer explanation

Creon and Haemon's relationship begins with love and respect, but it deteriorates as their conflicting views on law and morality emerge, leading to a tragic rift that ultimately results in despair.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Analyze Creon's motivation for enforcing his edict against the burial of Polynices. What does this reveal about his character?

• He wants to show mercy and compassion.

• He wants to assert his authority and maintain order.

• He wants to seek revenge against Polynices.

• He wants to protect his family.

Answer explanation

Creon's motivation to enforce the edict against Polynices stems from his desire to assert authority and maintain order in Thebes. This reveals his rigid, authoritarian character, prioritizing state control over familial ties.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the primary reason for the conflict between Antigone and Creon.

• Antigone's desire for revenge

• Creon's jealousy of Antigone

• Antigone's loyalty to her brother versus Creon's loyalty to the state

• Creon's fear of losing power

Answer explanation

The conflict arises from Antigone's loyalty to her brother, whom she wants to bury according to divine law, clashing with Creon's loyalty to the state, which forbids the burial. This fundamental disagreement drives their tragic conflict.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Compare the decisions made by Creon and Antigone. How do their decisions reflect their values?

• Creon values family, while Antigone values power.

• Creon values law and order, while Antigone values family loyalty.

• Creon values wealth, while Antigone values freedom.

• Creon values peace, while Antigone values conflict.

Answer explanation

Creon's decision to enforce laws reflects his value of law and order, prioritizing state authority. In contrast, Antigone's choice to bury her brother demonstrates her commitment to family loyalty, valuing personal bonds over societal rules.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the relationship between Antigone and Ismene. How does their relationship evolve throughout the play?

• It starts as a close sisterly bond but becomes strained due to their differing views.

• It starts as a distant relationship and becomes closer.

• It remains unchanged throughout the play.

• It starts as hostile and becomes more understanding.

Answer explanation

Antigone and Ismene begin with a strong sisterly bond, but as the play progresses, their differing beliefs about loyalty and duty create tension, leading to a strained relationship.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Analyze Haemon's motivations for opposing his father, Creon. What does this reveal about Haemon's character?

• He wants to gain power for himself.

• He wants to protect Antigone and uphold justice.

• He wants to rebel against his father's authority.

• He wants to seek revenge for past wrongs.

Answer explanation

Haemon opposes Creon primarily to protect Antigone and uphold justice, demonstrating his strong moral values and loyalty. This reveals Haemon's character as principled and compassionate, willing to challenge authority for what is right.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the central conflict between Creon and Teiresias. How does this conflict impact Creon's decisions?

• The conflict between Creon's pride and Teiresias's wisdom

• The conflict between Creon's fear and Teiresias's courage

• The conflict between Creon's love and Teiresias's hatred

• The conflict between Creon's wealth and Teiresias's poverty

Answer explanation

The central conflict is between Creon's pride and Teiresias's wisdom. Creon's refusal to heed Teiresias's warnings leads to tragic decisions, showcasing how pride can blind one to valuable insights and consequences.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept