Antigone Lines Flashcards
1-116
Antigone tells ismene her plan to bury their brother polynices- going against croons edict. Ismene refuses to help but promises to keep it a secret. This scene already shows the contrast between Antigone and creon, and being outside the city walls symbolises Antigone being outside the law. Antigone declares her love for death, and ismene sees her own womanhood as a weakness.
117-178
Choral ode in celebration of the recent victory of Thebes against the enemy. Portrays polynices the invader as an eagle, implying that any measures against polynices are justified as he is a monster/invader. The punishment of enemies is from the gods not the men who defeated theme, creon will by opposing this principle by holding himself higher.
179-376
Creon assures chorus of cities safety, he intends to bury eteocles and leave polynices. Sentry tells him someone has done so. He accuses him of taking bribes. His tone indicates arrogance and pride, dramatic irony - the new kings rule has already been undercut and will never be what he dreams. The practical sense of the chorus is greatly contrasted to Antigone, represented in her love of death.
377-416
Choral ode that praises man, and mans perseverance against everything except death. Law and the justice of the gods will persevere over man and society. This gives a sense of foreshadowing as to what will happen to creon later in the play for breaking this.
417-655
Sentry brings Antigone to creon, after being caught again. She remains defiant that creon is wrongly, and gladly proclaims her guilt. Ismene claims to be an accomplice which A denies. C announces that he will execute both sisters. Dramatises the powerful convo it between divine and civil law, as well as state and family. Creon inwardly admits he must punish or have his leadership questioned. The scene further emphasises antigones love of death. Gender roles are also questioned in this scene, creon treats A like a man.
656-700
Elders sing an ode affirming the power of the gods over people through each generation, using Oedipus family as an example. Their pious sentiment brings into creon insistence on his own will, and begins to foreshadow a doom in which he falls as well.
701-878
Haemon tries to reason with his dad, but he fiercely rejects his advice. Haemon leaves and declares creon will never see him again. Creon tells the chorus he will let ismene go but will bury Antigone alive. Creons hatred of women can be seen here. Creon places the blame for A actions on her family rather than herself. Creons inflexibility and arrogance is emphasised by the obedience of haemon.
879-894
Chorus ode to the power of love, represented by Aphrodite. Because haemon did not defend Antigone on the basis of love, the chorus reminds the audience as an objective voice that not even the gods can resist the power of love. The emotional distance of the chorus makes it more convincing given the situation.nif they can see the injustice and argue so coolly creons decision must be wrong. Also makes it clear that creons anger is blinding him to reality.
895-969
Antigone anticipates her death by singing her own funeral dirge, and the chorus wonder whether it was Oedipus who condemned her to this fate. For a woman considered a hero she faces sharp criticism from the chorus. Suggests that while don’t support the danger of creons arrogance, they do not wholly support Antigone either. She repeated dads words of “I am agony”
970-1034
Before creon sends her away, Antigone reflects her decision to bury her brother and the consequences of it. She calls her chamber bridal bed, and seems to be finally overwhelmed by the reality of the situation, even regretful. She truly mourns the life she is leaving out of fear. She mentions her sacrifice to her brother over husband and children, uncharacteristic but possibly directed at polynices himself.
1035-1089
Ode to heroes and heroines who endured terrible punishments at the hand of fate. While they feel great sympathy, they do not compare her to gods like she did for herself with Niobe. Their responsibilities as elder demand that they don’t glorify someone who has broken the law. At the same time they still do not support creon, shown through the tale of Lycurgus who offended Dionysus by persecuting her woman worshippers.
1090-1237
Tiresias warns creon that the gods disapprove of his actions, and will punish no, with haemons death. C dismisses him in anger accusing him of taking bribe. But eventually decided to bury P and free A. The moral victory belongs to A, as T ritual augury reveals her cause is just. Creon proves that he is somewhat open to persuasion.
1238-1273
Elders ode rejoice to Dionysus. Exultation weighs up at this pivotal moment in the play as at last creon yields and seeks to repair the damage his pride has caused.
1274-1470
Messenger announces Antigone has hung herself and haemon killed himself when creon arrived. Eurydice after hearing also commits suicide. Creon mourns for his family, blames himself and prays his life will end. Creons change of heart came too late, he suffers a loss of identity, “I am no one”. The end of Antigone has no comfort or wondering at the power of fate. The chorus implies creon got what he deserved. The only solace is the wisdom the observers have gained the destruction of the proud.
