Antigone Reading Guide
Scene 2 and Ode 2
Name ______
1. The sentry returns with someone under arrest? Who is this?
2. What does Creon’s reaction in lines 18-21 suggest about his relationship with Antigone? In other words, why would he be surprised that she was the guilty party?
3. Summarize the sentry’s report of what he witnessed Antigone doing? What metaphor does he use to describe her actions?
4. Do you feel that the metaphor was effective? Why or why not?
5. Using Antigone’s own words, explain why she dared to deny Creon’s orders.
6. In lines 106-118, Creon and Antigone are defending their own actions. What reason does each give for doing what they did?
A. Antigone---
B. Creon---
7. Lines 119-127 have contrasting images of Ismene, one from the Choragos and one from Creon. Describe the image presented by each.
8. In this scene, Ismene wants to join Antigone in the death sentence. From what you know of her, what do you think is her motivation?
9. From what you know of Antigone, why do you think she rejects Ismene and excludes her from the death sentence?
10. What new twist to the plot is revealed when Ismene reminds Creon that Antigone is “But your own son’s bride!” What is even more shocking about Creon’s insistence that Antigone die even after this is revealed?
11. Based on what you know about Creon’s personality, do you believe his son will be able to sway his opinion?
12. Use your literary glossary and define FOIL CHARACTER.
13. Ismene serves as a foil character to Antigone. What does she help emphasize about Antigone? Complete the chart below that helps illustrate the differences between the two.
Major Character Traits / Makes Decisions Based On…Antigone
Ismene
Scene 3
1. What question does the choragus begin with? What is Creon’s response to its question?
2. In his first line, how does Haemon seem to feel towards his father? What motivation might he have for greeting his father in this manner?
3. Why does Creon say that he’s actually doing his son a favor by ridding him of Antigone? What does this suggest about his role of women?
4. What reason does Creon give for why he can’t pardon her since she’s family?
5. What does Creon say that suggests that his manhood feels threatened by Antigone and her actions?
6. A. What suggestion is Haemon making when he says “Yet there are other men who can reason, too; and their opinions might be helpful.”
B. What reaction from Creon would you expect from this suggestion?
7. What does Haemon reveal about how the people feel about Antigone’s punishment?
8. A. Explain what Haemon is trying to get Creon to understand with his metaphor about the trees bending? (line 80-82)
B. Why does this metaphor make an effective logical appeal?
9. A. What isHaemon implying when he says “Then she must die. But her death will cause another?”
B. Why does this make an effective emotional appeal?
10. What reversal does Creon make in his punishment of Antigone? Why does he believe that this will be viewed more favorably in the eyes of the people?
11. Complete this syllogism that Creon uses in his argument with Haemon:
A. Anarchy can be prevented if all laws are strictly enforced.
B. Antigone cannot be pardoned because she broke the law.
C. ______.