Study Questions for Antigone by Sophocles

Pages 203-216

  1. The chorus’ ode on pages 203-204 praises men for doing what?
  1. What is the one thing man cannot control or conquer?
  1. Why does the chorus bring up the subject of the “anarchic man” here?
  1. Who has been arrested for the crime of burying Polyneices?
  1. According to the sentinel, the guards brushed the dust off of Polyneices’ body and then hid to watch it. What did they see?
  1. Explain the simile which begins on page 207. How did Antigone wail?
  1. When captured, did Antigone deny her offense?
  1. Explain this statement: “[I]t is no great pleasure/To bring death to a friend.”
  1. Did Antigone realize that her actions were against the law?
  1. According to Antigone, mortal men do not have the power to do what?
  1. Antigone says that if she is put to death, she will not feel pain. But what would cause her pain?
  1. Creon says, “the inflexible heart breaks first.” Explain his intended meaning, and explain the irony of this statement in the context of the play as a whole.
  1. According to Creon, Antigone compounds her crime by doing what?
  1. What is Creon’s next decision in dealing with the threat that Antigone presents to the state? In addition to Antigone, who else does Creon charge with the crime of burying Polyneices?
  1. According to Antigone, what keeps the Thebans from openly approving of her deed?
  1. Creon tells Antigone that she has insulted whose memory?
  1. What is What is Creon’s view of women?
  1. What is Ismene’s reply when Creon asks if she took part in Antigone’s crime?
  1. How does Antigone respond to this?
  1. Ismene states, “grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver, King.” Explain the irony of this statement in the context of the whole play.
  1. Whom is Antigone engaged to marry?
  1. According to Creon, what will prevent the wedding? Explain the reference to the plow. What does it reveal of Creon’s attitudes towards women?\
  1. “Man’s little pleasure is the spring of sorrow,”—explain this statement.