Antigone

Socratic Seminar Discussion Questions

Round 1

Directions: Answer the following ten questions on a separate piece of paper prior to your Socratic Seminar day. Make sure your answers are thoughtful and complete. Be sure to cite examples from your article or novel for as many questions as possible to ensure you receive the maximum number of points during your Socratic Seminar. Five of your responses MUST contain quotes from the text, or the most that you will receive is half credit.

  1. Do you think Antigone wants to die? Why, or why not?
  2. At what point does standing up for what you believe become insolence?
  3. Haimon argues for compromise. Is compromise good or bad?
  4. Creon accuses Antigone of wickedness. What determines whether or not she is wicked?
  5. Creon asks, “Should the city tell me how I am to rule them?” Why is this question important? Who does the city belong to?
  6. Can something be lawful and unjust?
  7. The Chorus tellsAntigone that it is her own self-willed temper that has destroyed her. Do you agree? If not her temper, then what? Noble action? Something else?
  8. Antigone believes that the gods want her brother buried. Creon believes that the gods do not what his nephew buried. Why do they both believe something different?
  9. You have been asked to do family counseling for this cast of characters; where do you start? Discuss at least three of the characters explaining their issue and the recommended “therapy”.
  10. What can readers take away from a reading of Antigone? What can they learn? Name possible questions raised by the play? Are the questions answered? If so, how?

Optional: Write your own questions for the Socratic Seminar.

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Antigone

Socratic Seminar Discussion Questions

Round 2

Directions: Answer the following ten questions on a separate piece of paper prior to your Socratic Seminar day. Make sure your answers are thoughtful and complete. Be sure to cite examples from your article or novel for as many questions as possible to ensure you receive the maximum number of points during your Socratic Seminar. Five of your responses MUST contain quotes from the text, or the most that you will receive is half credit.

1. Why do you think Creon has become so obsessive and stubborn in his leadership?

2.If you were a god, how would you punish Creon?

3. Do you believe that Oedipus’ family is cursed? Explain. Is Antigone ruled by the curse or her own free will?

4. How does pride play a role in the fates of both Creon and Antigone?

5. Who is the hero of this play, Creon or Antigone? Explain.

6. Does Sophocles seem to feel that the will of the gods serves man for good or ill?

7. Is Polyneices a traitor? Explain.

8. How do you feel about Haimon’s death? Was it necessary? Explain. What role does Ismene serve in this play?

9. Which law is right, the law of the gods or of the state?

10. Characterize Creon. Was he a malicious man, or simply a patriot? Who do you consider more wicked, Creon or Antigone? Why?

Optional: Write your own questions for the Socratic Seminar.

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