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Antigone
The play 'Antigone' is at least 2,440 years old. Still timely nevertheless are its main concerns over what to do about a bad law and how far to go for the sake of love or justice. Contributors typically ask and answer questions about the play's author, characters, imagery, literary devices, plot, and relationship to other plays of the same themes or time period.
3,361 Questions
What are the differences between Eteocles and Polyneices in 'Antigone'?
That one is a domineering usurper and the other is the legitimate royal claimant are the differences between Eteocles and Polyneices in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, twin brothers Eteocles and Polyneices are supposed to alternate years of rule in a joint power sharing arrangement in their hometown of Thebes. But Eteocles does not let go of the royal powers when his first year is ended. Instead, he exiles Polyneices. Polyneices is in the right and readily gathers together an army of disgruntled Thebans and supportive Argives.
How is Antigone influenced by her family in 'Antigone'?
It is because of love for their earthly existence and of enthusiasm for their deathly existence that Antigone is influenced by her family in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone expresses fierce loyalty for her disgraced father King Oedipus and her disgraced brother Prince Polyneices. She feels that her father does not deserve the unfortunate end to his life and that her brother does not merit being denied his legitimate claim to the Theban throne and to a Theban style below ground burial. She knows that she cannot be welcomed by the gods or by her family if she enters the Underworld of the afterlife without first righting the wrong to Polyneices.
What are Jocasta's characteristics in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Conciliatory, escapist and organized are Jocasta's characteristics in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).
Specifically, Theban Queen Jocasta demonstrates her conciliatory character when she tries to end the angry fight between her brother Creon and her second husband Oedipus. She exhibits her escapist character when she arranges to have her infant killed but does not make sure that the dreadful deed in fact is done by her most trusted servant. She also expressed her escapism when she tries to stop Oedipus' murder investigation even though its course is inevitable and divinely ordained. But throughout, she manifests an organized personality that knows how to prioritize and to go straight to heart of matters when need be.
Who is Teiresias and what is his role in the play Antigone?
The role of Teiresias is being the blind seer, he also apears in Oedipus Rex. He warns Creon not to kill Antigone becuase he will lose his only son.
Hamartia is a fatal flaw in a character, usually a hero/heroine. An example of hamartia would be Othello's jealousy in the Shakespearean play Othello.
I'm going to assume you mean how did Oedipus become king. He became king by solving the riddle of the Sphinx, who asked the riddle "What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon and, three at night." The correct answer is "man".
How does Antigone feel as she is committed to death in the vault?
As Antigone faces her impending death in the vault, she experiences a profound sense of resolve and dignity. She feels a mix of despair for her fate but stands firm in her beliefs, knowing she is honoring her family and the gods. Despite the isolation and darkness of her confinement, her commitment to justice and loyalty to her brother gives her a sense of purpose, allowing her to confront her fate with bravery. Ultimately, she embraces her tragic destiny as a martyr for her principles.
Creon's punishment in Sophocles' "Antigone" is a profound personal tragedy. After enforcing his edict against burying Polynices, leading to Antigone's death, he faces the consequences of his rigid authority and pride. Ultimately, he loses his son Haemon and wife Eurydice, leaving him in a state of despair and isolation, realizing too late the cost of his decisions. This emotional and moral downfall serves as his punishment, illustrating the themes of hubris and the tragic consequences of inflexible leadership.
What innovation did sophocles create?
Sophocles is credited with several innovations in Greek theater, most notably the introduction of a third actor, which allowed for more complex character interactions and deeper narratives. He also enhanced the use of scenery and stage mechanics, contributing to the visual storytelling of plays. Additionally, Sophocles is known for his emphasis on character development and psychological depth, which set his works apart from earlier playwrights. His influence helped shape the future of drama and theatrical presentation.
What is Tiresias warning to Creon?
Tiresias warns Creon that his stubbornness and refusal to heed the laws of the gods will lead to disastrous consequences for Thebes. He foretells that Creon’s actions, particularly the punishment of Antigone for burying her brother, will bring divine wrath and suffering to the city and his own family. Tiresias emphasizes the importance of humility and the need to respect divine law over human law. Ultimately, he urges Creon to change his course to avoid impending doom.
Why doesn't ismene want to get involved?
Ismene does not want to get involved because she fears the consequences of defying authority and the potential punishment that could follow. She values her safety and the stability of her life over the pursuit of justice, reflecting a more cautious and pragmatic approach compared to her sister Antigone. Ismene's sense of loyalty to the laws of the state and her desire to conform to societal expectations also play a significant role in her hesitance to act.
Why does Creon call Antigone an anarchist?
Creon calls Antigone an anarchist because she defies his edict forbidding the burial of her brother Polynices, prioritizing divine law and familial loyalty over the state's authority. By acting against the laws established by Creon, she embodies a challenge to his rule and the social order he represents. In Creon's view, her actions threaten the stability of the state and undermine his power, which he equates with chaos and disorder. Thus, he labels her as an anarchist to justify his harsh response to her rebellion.
How does Sophocles help the audience picture what has happend?
Sophocles employs vivid imagery, powerful dialogue, and dramatic irony to help the audience visualize events and emotions in his plays. Through detailed descriptions and character interactions, he creates a strong emotional landscape that allows viewers to empathize with the characters' struggles. Additionally, the use of the Chorus provides commentary that enhances the audience's understanding of the unfolding drama, guiding their interpretations and reactions to the narrative. This combination of techniques immerses the audience in the story, making the events feel immediate and impactful.
The curse on Creon is primarily attributed to the actions and fate of his family, particularly due to the tragic events surrounding Antigone and the consequences of his decisions as king. In Sophocles' "Antigone," Creon's rigid adherence to law and order leads to the deaths of his son Haemon and wife Eurydice, resulting in his profound grief and suffering. This sequence of events can be viewed as a curse stemming from his hubris and inability to heed the warnings of the prophet Teiresias, leading to a tragic downfall. Ultimately, the curse reflects the theme of fate and the consequences of human actions in Greek tragedy.
Creon has been king of Thebes for a relatively short time, having assumed power after the death of Oedipus and the subsequent conflict between his sons, Eteocles and Polynices. In Sophocles' play "Antigone," Creon's rule is depicted as recent, as he is still establishing his authority and dealing with the consequences of the civil strife. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to law and order, but it quickly becomes contentious due to his decisions regarding family and loyalty.
Why is Antigone so angry with ismene after they've both been brought in to see Creon?
Antigone is furious with Ismene because she feels betrayed by her sister's refusal to help in the burial of their brother Polyneices, who was denied a proper funeral by Creon. Ismene's hesitation and fear of defying the king's orders frustrate Antigone, who believes that honoring their brother is a moral obligation that transcends the law. Antigone's anger is compounded by her perception that Ismene lacks the courage to stand up for their family and their values. This conflict highlights themes of loyalty, duty, and the struggle between individual conscience and state law.
