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Freshman English
Antigone by Sophocles (441 BC)
Mrs. Chausse
Antigone by Sophocles (441BC)
Each student is assigned to one of the following questions. Bring a written response to
the question to class tomorrow.
Study questions
1. In Greek drama often important actions take place off stage. What important
action takes place off stage in Antigone? Be specific. Record line numbers which
reference the action that takes place off stage.
What is the effect of having these actions take place off stage? Would it be more
effective if the action took place on stage? Explain by comparing the staging of
Antigone to current day television shows and movies.
2. What is the role of the chorus and Koryphaios in Antigone? To what extent do
they influence the action of the play? Record specific line numbers which support
your explanation.
3. What is a theme of Antigone? A theme is a central idea of a work of literature. A
theme is the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject—the writer’s view
of the world or revelation about human nature. Find at least three passages that
summarize and support this theme of the play.
4. Who is a tragic hero? Based on Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero, who is a
tragic hero? Antigone? Creon? Refer to a minimum of three different passages
of the play to support your explanation.
5. Irony- Review the definition of the different types of irony (page 1004 in lit
book). What specific examples of irony can you find in Antigone? Cite line
numbers that support your answer.
6. Who suffers more Antigone or Creon? Explain your answer by referring to a
minimum of three different passages from the play.
7. Although Antigone was written in 441BC, the characters, themes and conflicts are
a part of more recent experiences. Explain with examples from history, literature,
movies and personal experience how Antigone is relevant to our lives today. Be
specific. Refer to a minimum of three specific passages from Antigone in your
explanation.
8. Why is the fact that Antigone is a woman important to the play? Based on this
play, how do you think women are regarded in Greek society? Find a minimum
of three lines or passages that support your answer.