Antigone

What happens first?

• Antigone asks for help from Ismene; Ismene expresses reservations. Antigone refuses to allow Ismene to help.

• Antigone tells Ismene of the new decree stating their brother must remain unburied.

• The Chorus summarizes the activities in Thebes.

• Creon publicly declares that Polyneices must remain unburied.

What happens at the conclusion of this excerpt?

• Creon and the chorus summarize the events in Thebes.

• Creon declares publicly that the body of Polyneices must be buried.

• Creon declares publicly that the body of Polyneices must remain unburied.

• Creon sentences Antigone to death.

Based on lines 167-182, what prediction can be made about Creon's resolve?

• Creon will uphold laws based on principle; this will lead to conflict with Antigone.

• Creon will forgive Antigone and allow Polyneices to be buried.

• Creon will side with morality over principle.

• Antigone will be allowed to bury Eteocoles.

Which statement best describes the conflicting perspectives in the dialogue from lines 90-97?

• Ismene doubts Antigone's plan will be successful, but Antigone fiercely stands by her moral principles.

• Ismene worries that Antigone will get hurt, but Antigone is confident she will be strong enough to do the job.

• Ismene feels hopeless, but Antigone assures her that she will behave honorably.

• Ismene argues that Antigone is making their uncle mad, but Antigone explains the Creon is always mad.

What details from lines 90-97 help you to understand the conflicting perspectives in the previous question?

• Antigone shows signs of madness; which Ismene interprets as mourning.

• Antigone and Ismene are both worried about Creon's anger.

• Ismene says the plan is hopeless; but Antigone says she hates Ismene for failing to act with courage.

• Ismene feels hopelessness because she lacks the courage to follow; while Antigone will lead their family based on what is best.

Who does Antigone attribute as being the cause of the family’s misery?

What does compulsion mean as it is used by Ismene in lines 63-66? Therefore I plead compulsion and entreat The dead to pardon. I perforce obey The powers that be. 'Tis foolishness, I ween, To overstep in aught the golden mean.

• An inability to make a decision

• A refusal to do what is required

• A duty to act according to the law

• An acknowledgement of uncertainty

Which of these lines from the text best support the answer to Question 6?

• “For what of pain, affliction, outrage, shame, / Is lacking in our fortunes…”

• “I know ‘twas so, and therefore summoned thee / Beyond the gates…”

• “…I shall hate thee more / If thou proclaim it not to all the town.”

• “…the worst that can befall / Is but to die an honorable death.”

Who believes their family is cursed and thinks every imaginable sorrow has been cast upon their family?

Which sister wants to listen to Creon and his commands?