Antigone

THTR 111 Custer

THTR 111 Introduction to Theater Text Reflection: Antigone Due T, 3/19 Word-processed No length requirements, but you are graded on thoroughness Spelling/grammar are not graded No e-mailed copies accepted; please print your paper) 15 points (10 for the reflection/5 for attendance at discussion) Step 1: Read the play Antigone by Sophocles (trans. Richard Emil Braun). There are copies in the UST bookstore. Step 2: Answer the following questions. Use evidence from the text to support your answers.

ANTIGONE __________________

“There is no better indication of what the people of any period are like than the plays they go and see.” Edith Hamilton, 1932

1. Identify the specific values, beliefs, and character traits of Antigone that contribute to her actions in the play and her ultimate death. Using evidence from the play (i.e., quotes), identify five beliefs, customs, or views of the Ancient Greeks. What do you think this play suggests about the nature of leadership? Using evidence from the play (i.e., quotes) determine the status of women of Ancient Greece. How does this status contribute to the story of Antigone? Is Antigone the older or younger sister? (this may or may not be directly supported by the text.) Explain your answer.

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Note: Be mindful of the curse of Antigone. Oedipus Rex (King Laius of Thebes) killed his father and married his mother (Jocasta). In the play Oedipus Rex Jocasta kills herself when the incestuous nature of their relationship is revealed. Oedipus, upon finding Jocasta dead, pokes out his eyes. Oedipus and Jocasta had four children: Polyneices, Eteocles, Antigone, and Ismene. Kreon, Jocasta’s brother takes over as regent of Thebes.