Antigone Themes and Issues Flashcards
Intro
I have been studying “Antigone” written by Sophocles. The play is a Greek tragedy set in 441BC and is thought to be his oldest surviving work. The play is based around the character Antigone and how she defies her oppressive uncle Creon to bury her brother who had been slain in battle and was decreed not to be buried. As a director I will be discussing five key moments to communicate the main theme and issue from the play.
LTF point
One key moment in “Antigone” that highlights the theme of loyalty to family is in the prologue, when Antigone tells her plan to defy her uncle and bury her brother’s body to her sister Ismene.
LTF quote
“And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory. I will lie with the one I love and loved by him”
LTF analysis
This quote shows Antigone’s loyalty to family and demonstrates how she is not afraid of death. This makes her a very devoted, determined loving sister, who believes that the duty to her family is greater than the laws of the state.
LTF directions
As a director to show the theme of loyalty to family in this key scene I would use proxemics to have Antigone and Ismene positioned close together to show their sisterly bond, creating a close atmosphere, but as Antigone reveals her plan, I would have Ismene step back to separate herself from Antigone showing her fear, while Antigone steps forward to symbolize her determination.
LTF directions anlysis
By having the actors positioned like this, it would clearly show the audience the contrast in personalities between the sisters, as Ismene stepping back shows her being hesitant, and reserved. Whereas Antigone moving to the centre of the stage shows how determined, strong and courageous she is to show how loyal she is to her family because she is trying to protect polynices.
LTS point
Another key moment in “Antigone” where the theme of loyalty to the state is shown, is in episode one. When Creon is talking to the chorus and shows his immense patriotism.
LTS quote
“And whoever places a friend above the good of his own country, he is nothing”
LTS analysis
This quote shows just how loyal Creon is to his country and illustrates how he believes that individual loyalty should never stop one’s duty to the state. This shows that Creon is a very authoritive ruler as his attitude shows he believes that even family loyalty is not greater than the states.
LTS directions
As a director to show the theme of loyalty to state in this key moment, I would use a profile spot set at 85% intensity to focus on Creon to emphasize his higher status as the king of Thebes, I would have to Chorus off to the side, at 40% intensity, which allows Creon to stand out, using a dominant tone of voice with loud volume enforcing him being the central focus for the audience during this scene as it allows them to see his movements including an upright posture, his hands behind his back, with his head held high to more clearly to reinforce his authority and position as a leader,
LTS directions analysis
which also highlights his loyalty to the state as it shows Creon is initially a confident, composed and strong suited monarch.
Gender point
An additional key moment in “Antigone” where the theme of women and gender is highlighted is in episode two, when Antigone has been caught by the sentry burying her brother’s body and is brought to Creon.
Gender analysis
This quote reflects the patriarchal mindset of Creon and how he believes woman should be subordinate to men. This further shows his authoritive mindset and attitude towards women as he was furious someone would defy his decree, but to then find out it was a woman, he must assert dominance and control to show no woman will have authority over him.
Gender quote
“Go down below and love, if you must- Love the dead! While I’m alive, no woman is going to lord it over me”
Gender directions
As a director, to show the theme of gender where it shows how women were viewed as housekeepers and could not participate in politics in ancient Greece, I would use of levels to have Creon standing on a rostra and have Antigone kneeling before him.
gender directions analysis
This highlights the theme of gender as it creates a visual contrast and reinforces traditional gender roles with Creon being physically higher than Antigone shows his higher status which represents his authority, power and as a male figure in a patriarchal society, whereas Antigone not only being below him because he is on a higher platform, but her kneeling Aswell increases the gap in height, and status too representing her submission and powerlessness.
Pride point
Another key moment in “Antigone” which highlights the theme of pride is in episode two when Antigone confesses to Creon that she defied him and buried her brother.
pride quote
“Give me glory! What greater glory could I win than to give my brother decent burial?”
pride analysis
This quote reflects Antigone’s pride in her determination to bury her brother, despite the consequences she now faces. This shows that her desire for glory is because of her sense of duty to her family, and what she believes is right.
pride directions
As a director to highlight the theme of pride in this key scene where Antigone openly opposes Creon to his face and explains how she has no regret for her actions, I would encourage the actor of Antigone to deliver her lines with a defiant tone of voice, high pitch and loud volume when expressing her passion and pride for honouring her brother, to convey the intensity behind all her emotions and the power she is showing the audience.
pride directions analysis
Additionally, the actor of Creon in this scene can use a commanding tone of voice, with loud volume and moderate pacing. To show Creon’s own pride, as he makes it clear he expects obedience and respect, but with Antigone’s growing defiance combined with his own determination to uphold his authority creates a tense atmosphere.
death point
A final key moment in “Antigone” which highlights the theme of death is in the epilogue, after the chorus helped Creon realize his actions were wrong, he tries to undo his actions but is too late. As his son Haemon and Antigone were found dead where he had sent her to die, but then Creon’s wife commits suicide after hearing the news of her son’s death. This causes Creon to wish for his own death.
death quote
“Come, let it come! - The best of fates for me that bring the final day, best fate of all. Oh, quickly now- so I never have to see another sunrise.”
death analysis
This quote captures Creon’s despair and grief and shows how he regrets his actions. This is very powerful as it was Creon’s own actions that brought the deaths of his son, niece and wife, this also shows how the play itself is a tragedy.
