1. ANTIGONE
By Sophocles

2. FORMAT
The play is written in meter. The rhythm helps the actors remember their lines.
In Greece, stories were passed from person to person and not necessarily written down.
Figurative language still applies.
SOPHOCLES

3. Antigone is the third play in a series.
THREE THEBAN PLAYS
Antigone is the third play in a series.

4. Oedipus Rex
Oedipus becomes King of Thebes by unknowingly killing his father and marrying his mother, as was foretold. Although his parents tried to avoid this, it happened anyways. When the truth of this was found out, Jocasta hanged herself, and Oedipus blinded himself.

5. Oedipus at Colonus
Eteocles and Polynices are left with the kingdom of Thebes to share. Of course, they get greedy, and Eteocles kicks Polynices out of Thebes. Polynices attacks with support of a foreign army, and both are killed in the battle.

6. Where in the world are we?

7. Antigone Now, Antigone is faced with a difficult choice.
Offend the gods and leave brother unburied -OR- Bury brother and offend the law.
This conflict is at the heart of the play.

8. The Family Tree Laius Jocasta Oedipus Jocasta Creon Eurydice
Eteocles Polynices Antigone Ismene Haemon
engaged to be married
***Note that the tree only has a few branches…

9. Philosophy of the Greeks
FATE
What is ordained by the gods will happen.
You cannot fight Fate.
Acropolis

10. Philosophy of the Greeks
RESPECT
Respect the gods by making the proper sacrifices and offerings.
If you don’t, you will be brought down to size!
Temple of Nike Athena

11. Philosophy of the Greeks
BURIAL RITES
Must bury your dead as a sign of respect.
The most disrespectful thing that you can do is leave somebody to rot.

12. Roles of Women Women were not public figures
Their lives revolved around the home… caretakers and possessions.
Two public ceremonies:
Weddings and Burials

13. GREEK TRAGEDY A. Serious in tone
B. Hero is noble- “better than we are.”
C. The hero’s life goes from happiness to misery due to a mistake.
D. This is caused by a flaw, usually hubris (excessive pride, disregard for warning/ law).
E. Audience achieves catharsis by end of play. (mix of pity and fear)

14. THE CHORUS
-- a group of actors who say their lines in unison.

15. Role of Chorus A. They give the audience the history of a situation.
B. They comment on how the audience should react to a scene.
C. They foretell the future.
D. They comment on a character’s actions.

16. TARGET IDEAS
CCE Distinguish the function of the Chorus and what it says about Greek culture.
CCE Understand the use of metaphor, allusion, and dialogue within a play.
CCE Know the pattern of a tragedy and how it drives a play.