If you are looking for the beginning of the study for Antigone then you can go HERE for a brief introduction. At the bottom of the introduction you will find the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. For an introduction to Sophocles’ Three Theban Plays and the concept of tragedy as a genre, you can click HERE. If you would like to see the growing list of available book studies you can go HERE. Enjoy!
Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)
What “off stage” events have just occurred which set the scene for the story? (pg. 59)
What did Creon forbid that is so distressing to Antigone? (Lines 28-36)
What fate was said to await any who would defy Creon’s decree? (Lines 41-43)
What did Antigone want Ismene to do with her? (Lines 49-53)
What happened to Antigone and Isemene’s parents? (Lines 60-69)
What did Ismene tell Antigone they ought to do? (Lines 70-81)
What was described as “the Dragon none can master”? (Line 132-139)
Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)
Antigone says, “The doom reserved for our enemies marches on the ones we love the most.” (Lines 12-13) What does she mean by this?
Antigone says, “I know I please where I must please the most.” (Line 103) What does she mean by this?
Antigone says, “I will suffer nothing as great as death without glory.” (Lines 112-123) What does she mean by this?
The Chorus says, “Now let us win oblivion from the wars, thronging the temples of the gods in singing, dancing choirs through the night! Lord Dionysus, god of the dance that shakes the land of Thebes, now lead the way!” (Lines 168-172) What do they mean by “let us win oblivion from the wars”?
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)
Do you think Antigone is more concerned with honoring her brother or honoring the gods? Give evidence from the text in favor of your answer.
What obligations, if any, do the living owe the dead? Be specific, explain and defend your answer with reason.
Are we obligated to obey unjust laws? Why or why not? How do we determine what laws are just versus unjust?
Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)
Read Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 4:1-22. How do these passages apply to the current story? How should Christians deal with conflicting moral duties?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Family, Courage, Piety, Honor, Cowardice