Antigone — social cultural historical context Flashcards
Sophocles
Antigone was written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles around 441 BCE
The Sophists
during the time of Sophocles, the Sophists were a group of philosophers and teachers who questioned traditional beliefs and emphasised rhetoric and persuasion
their influence can be seen in the dialogue and arguments presented in Antigone
When was Antigone written?
around 441 BCE
When is Antigone set?
the Hellenistic period
How far does the Hellenistic period span?
the Hellenistic period spans the period of Mediterranean history between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the emergence of the Roman Empire, as signified by the Battle of Actium in 31 BC
Greek Gods and Religion
Ancient Greeks believed in a pantheon of gods and incorporated religious rituals into their daily lives
the play references Greek gods and their influence on mortal affairs
Divine law
it is a code of conduct or a system of rules that is considered to be absolute and unchangeable, as it is believed to be derived from a divine and transcendent source
Ancient Greek Burial Customs
the Greeks regarded burial as one of their most sacred duties
it was believed that the soul had no rest as long as the body remained unburied
also, an unburied body was an offence to the eyes of the gods, residing in both the upper and lower worlds
How were women viewed in Ancient Greece?
Greek women had virtually no political rights of any kind and were controlled by men at nearly every stage of their lives
Expand on the statement that “Ancient Greek women were largely confined to their home”
Men would serve the “polis” (state) whereas women lived in the “oikos” (household)
How did Plato view women?
Plato believed women to be physically weaker than men
Aristotle women quote
“women are unfinished men”
The Sophists spread ideas of…
relativism and challenged traditional ideologies
Family and Loyalty
the play explores the themes of loyalty, duty, and the conflicts that can arise within families
Antigone’s defiance of King Creon’s orders is driven by her loyalty to her brother and her sense of familial duty
Law and Justice
Antigone raises questions about the nature of law and the conflict between divine and human laws
