Antigone: Prologue

How do Antigone and Ismene respond differently to their family’s tragedies?

• Antigone is defiant and determined to honor her brother, while Ismene is submissive and fearful of breaking the law.

• Both sisters agree that their brother should remain unburied.

• Ismene encourages Antigone to rebel, while Antigone refuses to act.

• Antigone and Ismene both decide to secretly bury their brother together.

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How are Antigone and Ismene alike? How are they different?

• Both love their family, but Antigone is bold and rebellious while Ismene is timid and obedient.

• Both are fearless warriors who oppose Creon’s rule.

• Antigone is a devoted sister, while Ismene cares only about herself.

• Ismene is stronger and braver than Antigone.

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Why does Antigone insist on burying her brother even under penalty of death?

• She believes that honoring the gods and family loyalty are more important than Creon’s laws.

• She wants to defy Creon out of personal hatred.

• She is promised a reward if she buries him.

• She believes Creon will eventually change his mind.

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Based on the themes found in the Prologue, which is Sophocles suggesting as being superior: moral law or civic law?

• Moral law, represented by love of family and loyalty, is more enduring than civic laws or decrees.

• Civic law is always superior, as rulers have divine authority.

• Moral and civic laws never conflict in Antigone.

• Antigone believes civic law should always be followed, even if it contradicts moral beliefs.

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Why does Antigone decide to bury her brother Polyneices?

• To give her brother’s soul peace.

• To gain political power in Thebes.

• To challenge Creon and take the throne.

• To prove she is stronger than Ismene.

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What punishment does Antigone face for this act?

• The punishment for this is death.

• She is forced into exile.

• She is sentenced to lifelong imprisonment.

• She is required to pay a heavy fine.

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Who does Antigone ask to help her bury Polyneices?

• Antigone asks Ismene for help.

• She asks Haemon to assist her.

• She pleads with the Chorus to intervene.

• She tries to convince Creon to change his mind.

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Why does Antigone ask Ismene for help?

• Because they are sisters.

• Because Ismene is secretly in love with Polyneices.

• Because Ismene is a powerful warrior.

• Because Creon commanded them to do it together.

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