Writing into the Day English II-B

3/13/2017 In Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone, the main characters struggle with the idea of moral law versus government law. Some characters believe that the laws of the government should be followed at all times, no matter the situation. Others, however, assert that there are instances in which a person must follow his or her own moral compass in making a decision, even if that decision requires breaking a law set in place by the government. So, is it always wrong to challenge laws put in place by the government, especially in cases where these laws infringe upon a person’s personal moral code?

03/15/2017 In the Prologue of Antigone, Ismene states, “Impossible things should not be tried at all” (Prologue, line 76). What is your opinion of this statement? Is it accurate? How would our society be different if this statement were true?

3/16/2017 Read the Parados, located between the Prologue and Scene One of Antigone. Going stanza by stanza, list each example of figurative language used by the Chorus and label what type of figurative language it is (i.e. simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.). Finally, explain EACH example; tell what the speaker is comparing and what this comparison means.

03/17/2017 According to Creon, what qualities or characteristics must a good leader possess? At this point in the play, do you believe that Creon is in possession of these qualities? Why or why not?

Asking Questions, Analyzing Character Antigone Interview Quick Group Activity Asking Questions, Analyzing Character   After reading the first two scenes of Antigone and learning that Antigone and her sister, Ismene, have been put in prison by their uncle, King Creon, pretend you are a journalist who has been granted access to the sisters in prison. Make a list of questions you would ask the sisters—remember, a successful journalist NEVER asks a yes/no question! Also be prepared to ask follow-up questions. With your group, decide on the most important questions: your group should have five at minimum. Pair up with another group. Group A will question Group B, and Group B will answer what they believe Antigone or Ismene would answer based upon their interpretation of the sisters’ characters. Group A will record these answers. Then, Group B will question Group A, the entire process being repeated for the other group.

3/22/2017 Imagine you are a psychologist who has been called to the Palace of Thebes to provide family counseling to Creon and Haimon. What questions would you ask Creon? What advice would you give him? (Write it as if you are talking directly to him). What questions would you ask Haimon? What advice would you give him? (Write it as if you are talking directly to him). Finally, in a group session, what advice would you give to this father and son?

03/23/2017 “The way we face death says a lot about how we face life.” ~Leonard Nimoy as Spock in Wrath of Khan Select a character from Antigone. What does the manner in which this character faces his/her death tell you about the way he/she lived life? Is this quotation (from Spock) accurate? Why or why not?

You are King Creon. It has been one month since the tragedy which claimed your family. Write a speech to the people of Thebes explaining the causes of the tragedy, what you have learned, and how you intend to rule differently in the future.