Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
Antigone
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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Antigone / 1
A
Introduction to Antigone
NTIGONE is the third play of what is commonly known
as the Œdipus trilogy. However, Sophocles wrote
Antigone first, and then many years later, he wrote
Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. This drama confronts the
recurring conflict between the obedience of the citizen to the state
and his exercising his religious duties and obligations to God.
King Creon clearly wants to maintain order in Thebes, but one can
argue that Antigone also wants to maintain order. The difference
between Creon and Antigone is their conflicting values as to what
is the right order—law under the man-made state or the law under
the mores of religion.
After Œdipus leaves Thebes, Creon becomes the king. Later, one
of the sons of Œdipus, Polyneices leads a revolt against Creon.
However, the defender of Thebes is the other son of Œdipus,
Eteocles. Polyneices and Eteocles meet each other on the battlefield and both kill each other.
Eteocles is buried with honors; on the other hand, by Creon’s command, Polyneices is to be left
on the battlefield unburied. In the Greeks’ view of things, the worst fate a person could ever
have would be to die unburied and to have animals and birds eat his corpse. If this should
happen, the dead would never have rest in Hades. To prevent this unrest of the soul, soldiers
would wrap their dead comrades in woven, metal cloth to ensure that the bodies would not be
devoured until burial.
In addition to the obvious conflict between the state and religion, the reader will note the
conflict between father and son, between sister and sister, between king and subjects, and
between men and women. Of course, King Creon gets into trouble due to his pride, a trait which
the gods hate. Even our Bible states that God hates a proud look. In the play, Creon is not an
evil ruler; he is human and has the limitations of all humans who often use poor judgment. Yet
the Greeks understood too well the delicate line separating a good king and a tyrant. Of all of
the characters in the play, Antigone is clearly the one who takes action the most. The reader will
note that when faced with the same problem, Antigone acts while her sister Ismene does
nothing.
When faced with obeying King Creon’s unreasonable and unwarranted command or following
her religious conscience, Antigone, sister to Polyneices, has no struggle as to what to do—she
does her religious duty. Clearly, Antigone had already purposed within her heart what she
would do long before there ever was a dilemma; Antigone resolved early in life to do right,
regardless of the consequences. In a perfect world, the duty to God and to the civil government
should never conflict, because the civil government is ordained of God, which should be in
subjection to God. Unfortunately, as a state becomes secularized and becomes a god itself,
conflicts will arise, since the state has overstepped its legitimacy. As conflicts continue to
mount between God and the American state, I pray that we will all learn to acquire some of the
courage demonstrated by this brave girl, Antigone,—a true heroine for all ages.
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / Antigone
Antigone
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
ignoble adj.
pelf v.
quittance n.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. When the newspaper reporter called the candidate “a bald-faced liar,” such an __________
remark took the audience by surprise.
2. All of the sudden, Timothy did not have any joy in spending the money, since he obtained
his ________________ by stealing it.
3. When Germany was required to take the blame for beginning World War I and to pay an
unreasonable _______________, this action sowed the seeds for the next world war.
1.3 Reading Assignment: Antigone, pp. 1–17
1.4 Recall Questions
1. What is the penalty for anyone burying Polyneices?
2. To whom does Antigone solicit help?
3. Ismene states that she has no strength to defy what?
4. After Creon enters, what metaphor does he use to describe the state?
5. According to Creon, what is the ultimate allegiance a man must give; that is, to God or to
the State?
6. What does the guard tell Creon?
7. Creon tells the guard that if the offender is not found, what will happen to all of the guards?
8. What does this particular guard decide to do after Creon leaves?
9. Whom does another guard bring as a prisoner?
10. As the guard tells his story, he and his comrades uncovered the body of Polyneices of dust.
Why did the guards sit windward of the body?
1.5 Critical Thinking
Antigone / 3
 Consider Ismene’s reluctance to help her sister, even though Antigone’s argument seems
reasonable and just. Is disobedience to man-made law ever justified? Why or why not? If
yes, by what standard do you use to justify civil disobedience?
 If the Bible is an objective standard, then argue that all man-made law must conform to the
Bible, not to human reason.
1.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Ismene states,
We must remember we are women born,
Unapt to cope with men; and, being ruled
By mightier than ourselves, we have to hear
These things—and worst.
The woman in Greek society was very low in the social structure. Slaves actually had a
higher status than the wife, who was confined to her “apartments” unless she was called for.
In other words, the wife did not have free movement throughout the house. The concept that
the wife is both the mistress and hostess of the home comes from the Romans, not from the
Greeks.
Generally, girls married before age 20 and often to a man well into his 30s. Arranged
marriages were common, especially with the wealthier families. Especially important was
the Greek custom that girls did not meet their intended husbands until after the dowry had
been agreed upon.
Antigone leads Oedipus out of Thebes by Charles Francois Jalabeat
4 / Antigone
Antigone
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
exult v.
opprobrious adj.
brook v.
requite v.
verge n.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. When our new next-door neighbors stated they could not possibly accept our invitation to
dinner, my father would _____________ no refusal.
2. Since he was convicted with a crime he did not commit, the prisoner nursed his grudge for
many years and planned daily how he would __________ the wrong that he suffered.
3. We have one uncle whom no one talks about; apparently his _________________ conduct
in the world of business had brought shame to our family.
4. It was once believed that the ___________ of the world dropped off sharply, and a ship
would fall into nothingness.
5. The Greeks ____________ in their victory over the Trojans, but their joy was short-lived as
the various fleets met hardships on the way home.
2.3 Reading Assignment: Antigone, pp. 18–34
2.4 Recall Questions
1. Creon accuses Antigone of two insults. What are these two insults?
2. According to Creon, a foe is never a friend, even in what?
3. When she is brought before Creon, what does Ismene attempt to claim?
4. When Ismene asks Antigone how she might serve her, what does Antigone tell her sister?
5. Ismene reveals that Antigone is engaged, or betrothed, to whom?
6. While speaking to Haemon, Creon states that a man has a duty to do what concerning
“whomsoever the city may appoint”?
7. According to Haemon, what soul is found to be empty?
8. What is Antigone’s punishment for disobeying Creon (be specific)?
Antigone / 5
2.5 Critical Thinking
 Do free men have duties to the civil government? Or is the concept of “duty” a term
associated with totalitarian government? Should men be dictated by others who claim
superior knowledge, or should men be restrained only by their religious beliefs and local
traditions? Discuss.
 How does Creon show his disdain for women? Is a society weakened or strengthen
whenever women are accorded a place of respect in the society? Discuss.
 If women become equal in every aspect in a society, will women gain or lose respect? What
do manners presuppose about a society where women are accorded courtesy? Discuss.
Oedipus Cursing his Son, Polyneices by Henry Fuseli (1741–1825)
6 / Antigone
Antigone
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
deign v.
inviolate adj.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Kathy would not ____________ to drive a Ford when she had been used to a Lincoln.
2. We saw the great ________________ mansion on the hill; the old house had a permanence
that time could not erode.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Antigone, pp. 35–52
3.4 Recall Questions
1. After Antigone is led away, who enters to talk with Creon?
2. What caused the failure of the rites; that is, the lighting of the fire?
3. What does the prophet predict will be the fate of Creon?
4. What does the Leader recommend to Creon, after Creon asks for advice?
5. Whom does Creon meet at the cave?
6. How does Antigone die?
7. What does Haemon do when he sees his father?
8. What happens to Eurydice towards the end of the play?
3.5 Critical Thinking

In the play Antigone, explain the tragic flaw of Creon.

Explain whether Antigone represents a model for courage or merely a self-centered martyr.

Compare and contrast Antigone with Ismene.

Discuss the role of government regarding religious practices.
Antigone / 7
Glossary for Antigone
brook (br‹k) v. To bear; endure; tolerate
deign (d³n) v. Think worthy; condescend
exult (¹g-z¾lt“) v. Leap for joy; rejoice at success or victory
ignoble (¹g-n½“b…l) adj. Low birth; not noble; base, worthless
inviolate (¹n-vº“…-l¹t) adj. Unprofaned, unpolluted; unbroken, uninjured
opprobrious (…-pr½“br¶-…s) adj. Reproachful and contemptuous; despised
pelf (pμlf) n. Loot; ill-gotten gains
quittance (kw¹t“ns) n. Discharge from debt or obligation
requite (r¹-kwºt“) v. To make repayment or return for; to avenge
verge (vûrj) n. The extreme edge or margin; a border; the point beyond which an action, a state,
or a condition is likely to begin or occur; the brink
8 / Antigone
Antigone
Vocabulary Quiz
1. When Creon refused the burial of Polyneices, many thought the decree to be
____________, not fitting the high station of a king.
(A) ethereal
(B) truculent
(C) exulted
(D) inviolate
(E) ignoble
2. Creon would ______________ no explanation for the disobedience of Antigone.
(A) exult
(B) requite
(C) celebrate
(D) brook
(E) deign
3. When Haemon realizes Antigone was dead, he would try to ______________ the wrong by
killing his own father.
(A) exult
(B) requite
(C) celebrate
(D) brook
(E) deign
4. At first, Creon believed that his will was above the gods, but eventually he would
_____________ himself to pardon and forgive Antigone.
(A) exult
(B) requite
(C) celebrate
(D) brook
(E) deign
5. King Creon finally understood that no human law is greater than the laws of custom and
religion, which are _______________, so long as society decrees them so.
(A) ethereal
(B) truculent
(C) exulted
(D) inviolate
(E) ignoble
OVER
1
11. Creon had made up his mind and would
brook no argument from his son
regarding the fate of Antigone.
6. EXULT : SORROW : :
(A) receive : get
(B) jump : pounce
(C) bless : curse
(D) denounce : condemn
(E) contact : touch
The infinitive “to brook” means
(A) to merge.
(B) to support.
(C) to enjoy.
(D) to pacify.
(E) to tolerate.
7. OPPROBRIOUS : DESPISED : :
(A) fit : sickly
(B) weak : strong
(C) reluctant : eager
(D) useless : valuable
(E) defenseless : vulnerable
12. After seeing his beloved Antigone
hanging, Haemon tries to requite the
wrong against her by attacking his
father, Creon.
8. PELF : LOOT : :
The infinitive “to requite” means most
nearly in this sentence
(A) being : nonexistence
(B) dismissal : rejection
(C) acceptance : cancellation
(D) generosity : stinginess
(E) assistance : hindrance
(A) to replace.
(B) to ridicule.
(C) to avenge.
(D) to ignore.
(E) to praise.
9. QUITTANCE : DEBT : :
13. The soldier believed his life was in
danger after his hearing the scornful
Creon use opprobrious speech against
the guards tasked with watching the
body of Polynices.
(A) attack : eruption
(B) intoxication : drinking
(C) estate : will
(D) voyage : vacation
(E) pardon : sentence
The word “opprobrious” means
10. VERGE : CLIFF : :
(A) sail : schooner
(B) bank : river
(C) plenty : dearth
(D) peak : top
(E) fence : gate
(A) broken.
(B) pleasant.
(C) calm.
(D) diverse.
(E) reproachful.
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
At the opening of the play, Ismene reminds her sister Antigone
that them being women makes them vulnerable. As a central
14
theme, Ismene’s gender has everything to do with her belief in
15
her own powerlessness. On the other hand, Antigone cares little
about her own gender as an issue of right or wrong. However,
the State does when Creon explains later that he cannot
acquiesce to Antigone, because the triumph of a woman is
unacceptable. Some critics of Antigone links this
16
“unacceptable” position of women to Antigone’s fascination
with death. Oddly, Antigone seems to welcome the prospect of
being executed, even refusing Ismene’s entreaty to do the rites
in secret. When Creon later accuses her of loving death,
17
her own words do little to refute him. Indeed, Antigone speaks
of her lying down in the dirt beside her brother, and her words
reveal a morbid kind of a longing. For Antigone, the importance
18
of living in the next world outweighs the importance of human
laws. Yet, Antigone is a woman with very unique obligations to
19
two different men. The first is her dead brother, and the second
is her hostile ruler. But Creon is more than her king: he is also
her future father-in-law, as well as her uncle. Her obligations
are not only to the abstract state, but to a man with who
20
Antigone is intimately related.
END
3
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
they
their
though
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
the gender of Ismene
her gender
their gender
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
linking
claims
link
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
them
both
Antigone
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
type of a longing
sort of a longing
kind of longing
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
with most unique
with unique
with uniquely
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
with whom
with him
with those
4
Answer Keys to Antigone
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. ignoble
2. pelf
3. quittance
Lesson 1
1. The penalty is Death.
2. Antigone asks Ismene, her sister, for help.
3. Ismene says she is not strong enough to defy the State.
4. The metaphor is a ship that came to shore safely after being in a storm.
5. According to Creon, man is to give allegiance to the State.
6. The guard states that someone has covered the body of Polyneices with dust.
7. The guards will be put to death.
8. The guard deserts and runs away from Thebes.
9. A guard brings in Antigone as a prisoner.
10. The guards sit windward to avoid the smell of the rotting corpse.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. brook
2. requite
3. opprobrious
4. verge
5. exulted
Lesson 2
1. The two insults are Antigone’s breaking the law and Antigone’s being proud of the deed.
2. A foe is never a friend even in death.
3. Ismene claims that she had a part in the burial of the body as well.
4. Antigone tells Ismene to save herself.
5. Haemon, Creon’s son, is betrothed to Antigone.
6. Man has the duty to obey the dictates of the king.
7. It is the man who thinks that he alone is wise.
8. Antigone is to be placed in a cave that will be closed up; she will be given just a little food;
then she will die of starvation.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. deign
2. inviolate
1
Lesson 3
1. Tiresias enters to talk with Creon.
2. The gods were angry with Creon.
3. Creon would lose a son.
4. Creon should free Antigone.
5. Creon meets his son, Haemon.
6. Antigone hangs herself.
7. Haemon first attacks his father, and then he turns his blade upon himself and kills himself.
8. Eurydice dies by taking her own life.
Antigone
1. E
2. D
3. B
4. E
5. D
6. C
7. E
8. B
9. E
10. B
11. E
12. C
13. E
14. C (pronoun case)
15. B (antecedent problem)
16. D (S-V agreement)
17. D (indefinite object)
18. D (idiom)
19. C (idiom)
20. B (pronoun case)
2