The Burial of the Dead AAll people have the right to a proper burial, as designated by the laws of the gods. TThe souls of the unburied are not allowed to enter Hades, and are destined to walk the earth in torment. BBurial would include the application of sacred oils to cleanse the body, a casting of earth upon the body, and cremation upon a pyre. OOne of the worst disgraces a person could suffer would be to remain unburied.
The Greek Theater Spectators sat in semicircular rows of seats built into a hillside which formed a natural outdoor amphitheater. At the bottom was a round space called the orchestra in which the chorus danced and sang. The actors wore large masks with fixed and exaggerated expressions that could be easily identified by people in the upper rows of the audience. Masks would identify characters: tragic, comedic, male or female. All actors were male.
The Chorus Represents the elders of the community Gives advice to the other characters Interprets and recalls past events Comments on the actions of the characters May foretell the future by drawing parallels with past events May relate events that occur outside of the primary setting of the play
The Elements of Greek Tragedy Tragedy is meant to reaffirm the fact that life is worth living, regardless of the suffering or pain that is part of human existence. Tragedies are about people in conflict with the universe. Tragedies are always about spiritual or philosophical conflicts, never about every day events. Tragic actions arise from a character's inner conflict. Do not confuse the concept of Greek Tragedy with the modern use of the word “tragic,” which is often used to describe events that we think of as being sad or unfortunate. Although characters may die in Greek Tragedies, the tragedy arises from the protagonist’s poor choices which result from his tragic flaw.
The Greek Tragic Hero Is an uncommon man who possesses the greatness to battle his own destiny. A tragic protagonist must have magnitude; his struggles are great because he is important to society. Is a basically good and noble person who causes his own downfall, and possibly that of others around him, because of a tragic flaw. He usually suffers from hubris (Pride) as shown through hamartia (character flaw or error in judgment).
Tragic Hero He suffers from a reversal of fortune or fall from high to low. He suffers a loss of dignity, as well as suffering caused by the loss of loved ones. He can never escape his fate, but he will insist upon accepting fate on his own terms. He must face the world alone. As he approaches his end, he is aware of what he has done to create the tragic end.
Tragic Flaw A personality trait which causes a character to make poor decisions, sometimes in an effort to tempt his fate (i.e. Oedipus) The tragic flaw creates a situation in which the tragic character loses his or her dignity. The character suffers pain and suffering as a consequence.
Hubris The predominant type of tragic flaw. An exaggerated sense of pride or self-confidence, often accompanied by stubbornness and the refusal to listen to the reason of others. Placing oneself in a position of superiority over others. Hubris results in a tragic end or punishment.
Catharsis The goal of the playwright is to achieve an emotional impact on the audience. By the end of the play, the protagonist's actions should arouse feelings of both pity and fear in the audience. – Pity because the protagonist is better than we are, so we place ourselves into his position (empathy) – Fear because we too do not know our future or fate. By the end of the play, the audience should be purged of pity and fear, so they go through a catharsis. Catharsis = purgation of pity and fear
Antigone Preview Outline Prologue Antigone and Ismene meet to discuss Creon’s edict regarding his refusal to bury the body of Polyneices. Antigone insists that the laws of the gods are to be obeyed, and that the laws of man cannot be in conflict with the laws of the gods. Ismene argues that she is a woman, and therefore incapable of fighting Creon and his laws. Antigone leaves to bury Polyneices by herself, determined to do what the gods demand.
Antigone Creon: acting King of Thebes Eurydice: his wife Haemon: their son, and Antigone’s fiance Antigone and Ismene: Oedipus’ daughters; Creon’s neices The Chorus and Choragos: represent the voices of the citizens of Thebes and serve as the voice of the public A Sentry: charged with guarding the body of Polyneices A Messenger Tiresias: the blind prophet of Thebes who can predict the future and interpret signs sent by the gods
First Episode Creon addresses the citizens of Thebes (the chorus) and explains what kind of king he intends to be. He states that he values the good advice of others, and that he could never honor someone who has been a traitor to Thebes. He confirms his refusal to bury Polyneices. The Leader agrees with Creon and acknowledges Creon’s power. The Sentry enter the palace with news that the body of Polyneices has been buried, and no one knows who did the burial, or how the deed was accomplished. Creon accuses him of accepting bribes, and tells him to find out who did it, or the Sentry will pay with his life.
Second Episode The Sentry returns to the palace with Antigone under arrest. He tells Creon that Antigone was caught performing a burial ritual on the body of Polyneices. Antigone admits to Creon that she has defied him, and that his laws contrdict the laws of the gods. Creon is angry that he has been disobeyed, especially by a woman. He plans to punish both Antigone and Ismene. Ismene wishes to die with Antigone so that she will not be left alone, but Antigone refuses to allow her the honor of being a martyr when Ismene chose not to bury Polyneices.
Third Episode Haemon, Creon’s son, and Antigone’s fiance, comes to the palace to present his perspective on Antigone’s punishment. Haemon is respectful of his father, but says that many citizens believe that Antigone should be honored, not punished, for doing what the gods demand. Creon is angered by Haemon’s argument, and they exchange heated words. Creon insists that Antigone must die; Haemon tells Creon that she will not die alone. Creon decides to seal Antigone in a cave with enough food to allow her to pray to the gods. He does not want to be responsible for her death. If she dies, it will be because the gods have decided her fate.
Fourth Episode Antigone prepares to go to her death. She speaks to the Leader and expresses her sorrow at how the situation has concluded. The Leader tells her that it is glorious for her to have followed the laws of the gods, and that she knew the consequences of her actions. She expresses her sorrow at having never been married and that she has not had children. She seems to have lost all faith in the gods because she believes that she has been abandoned by them.
Fifth Episode Tiresias enters the palace to warn Creon of impending catastrophe. Tiresias kindled a sacrifice that would not burn. His interpretation is that the gods refused it because Creon has defied their laws. Creon accuses Tiresias of accepting bribes to tell Creon lies that will make him change his mind. Tiresias warns Creon that if Creon does not free Antigone and bury Polyneices, three punishments will occur: Haemon will die. Creon will be pursued by the Furies Thebes will be attacked by the cities whose soldiers lie rotting on the battlefield. Creon finally changes his mind about Antigone and Polyneices. The Leader influences Creon by telling him that Tiresias’s predictions have always been true.
Epilogue The Messenger relates all of the events that occur after Creon leaves the palace. First, Creon buried Polyneices. Second, he went to the cave to release Antigone. When he arrived, Haemon was already there. Antigone had hanged herself in despair. Haemon tries to kill Creon, but Creon runs away. Haemon kills himself by impaling himself on his sword. Eurydice, Creon’s wife and Haemon’s mother, leaves. She kills herself in despair. Creon is left to suffer the consequences of his poor decisions. His tragic flaw of pride (Hubris) has resulted in his inability to listen to others. He learns the lesson that the laws of the gods must be obeyed, and that no man has the power to change the laws of the gods.