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The characters description/roles

Antigone – Strong-willed, determined to bury her brother Polynices even if it means death.

Ismene – Careful, afraid of breaking laws, represents obedience and fear.

Creon – The new king of Thebes, made a law that Polynices must not be buried.

Polynices & Eteocles – Antigone’s brothers who killed each other in battle.

Oedipus – Antigone’s father, married his mom, blinded himself.

Jocasta – Antigone’s mother/grandmother (Oedipus’s wife/mom), hung herself.

Chorus – Represents the voice of Thebes’ elders

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Quotes:

“He can’t forbid me to love my brother.” - Shows Antigone’s loyalty and the theme of moral vs. legal duty.

“We are women, that’s all. Physically weaker…” - Ismene’s view on gender roles and power.

“Death is the worst thing that can happen, and some deaths are more honourable than others.” – Antigone believes dying for what’s right is better than living in fear.

Literary Devices:

Imagery: “Kites and vultures… tear him to pieces” – Shows the horror of Polynices being left unburied.

“The same blood flows in both our veins” – Refers to their family bond and shared fate.

“Fire burning in you, Antigone” – Ismene uses this as a metaphor for her sister’s passion

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Potential themes:

Law vs. Family – Antigone wants to bury her brother; Creon says it’s illegal.

Divine Law vs. Human Law – Antigone follows the gods’ laws over man-made rules.

Women vs. Power – Ismene thinks women should not challenge male authority.

Life vs. Honor – Antigone is willing to die for what she believes is right.

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Proclamation – An official announcement.

Fratricide – When brothers kill each other.

Decree – A law or order from someone in power.

Institutionalized – Something made normal by a system (like male power).

Underworld – The place where the dead go in Greek mythology.

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Why is Creon so strict about the burial rule?

What causes Ismene feel powerless?

Why does Antigone feel it's more important to follow the gods than the king?

How does Antigone’s idea of justice compare to Creon’s?

What might happen to Antigone for going against the law?

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Sophocles was a famous Greek playwright who lived in the 5th century BCE. He saw important events in Athens, like the rule of Pericles and the Peloponnesian War. Besides writing plays, he also had important jobs in the city. He helped manage money for the Delian League around 443 BCE and served as a general in wars like the Samian War and the Archidamian War. He was also a priest and helped bring the worship of Asclepius, the god of medicine, to Athens.

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The myth of Antigone is one of the most famous, complex, multi-dimensional, mesmerizing, horrific, heartbreaking set of myths told of the tragic dynasty of Oedipus.

Antigone’s family has a long history of bad luck and tragedy. It started with her grandfather Laius, the king of Thebes. He was told that his own son would kill him, so he left the baby to die. The baby, Oedipus, killed Laius without knowing he was was father and married his mother, Jocasta.

Oedipus and Jocasta had four children: Antigone, Ismene, Polyneices, and Eteocles.

Oedipus's two sons, Polyneices and Eteocles, fought over who should be king. They killed each other in a battle. Their uncle, Creon, became king. He gave Eteocles a proper burial but said Polyneices couldn't be buried because he was a traitor.

Antigone thought this was wrong, so she buried her brother anyway. Creon got angry and punished her. Antigone’s fiancé, Haemon (Creon’s son), tried to stop his father, but when Antigone died, Haemon also ended his life. Then Haemon’s mother, Eurydice, did the same.

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In 5th century Athens, daily life and duties were connected to religion and the gods. This period was a "cultural revolution" where new ideas in arts, politics, and philosophy caused some big changes, like the birth of democracy and the start of Greek drama.

Greeks believed strongly in the gods and showed respect through rituals and sacrifices. Every city-state (polis) held public festivals throughout the year to honor the gods. Greek drama began as part of these religious festivals, especially the Dionysia Festival in Athens, which celebrated Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. This is where plays like Sophocles’ Antigone were first performed (around 441 BCE).

Greek myths about gods and rituals reflected their religious beliefs and shaped how they saw the world. These myths could be changed by playwrights to show different views of the gods or change parts of the story.

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A diagram of the theater and its sections

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A diagram of the theater and its sections

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Domain and Symbols

God of:

Wine and intoxication

Fertility and nature

Theater and dramatic arts

Revelry, ecstasy, and transformation

Symbols:

Grapevines and ivy

Thyrsus (staff wrapped in ivy with a pinecone tip)

Goats and panthers (wild animals linked to his wild nature)

Masks (connected to theater and role-playing)

The Dionysia Festival

City Dionysia (Great Dionysia):

Held in Athens in spring (March/April)

Included dramatic competitions (tragedies and comedies)

Major cultural and religious event

Rural Dionysia:

Held in winter (December/January) in countryside areas

Focused on fertility and agricultural rituals

Lenaia:

Smaller festival in Athens, held in winter

Known for comedic plays

Activities:

Theatrical performances by famous playwrights

Grand procession honoring Dionysus

Sacrifices (often goats) to the god

Choral songs and dances (dithyrambs)

Religious Roots

Honored Dionysus as a divine force of life, death, and rebirth

Rituals aimed at gaining blessings for fertility, crops, and protection

Emotional release (catharsis) through theater seen as a sacred act

Celebrated human connection to the divine and natural world

Community-Building Roots

Open to all citizens—promoted unity across social classes

Reflected Athenian values of democracy and civic involvement

Plays addressed real political, moral, and social issues

Participation (as audience, actors, or organizers) was a civic responsibility

Strengthened cultural identity and pride in Athens

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Summary notes on the inspiration behind many Greek plays

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Summary notes on the inspiration behind many Greek plays

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Many Greek plays were inspired by religion, myths, and real-life issues in Athens. They were first performed at festivals to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. Most plays were based on well-known myths and heroic stories. For example, stories like Oedipus or the Trojan War. These stories helped writers explore big ideas like fate, pride, and justice. Some plays, especially comedies, talked about politics and everyday life, sometimes making fun of leaders. The plays were helped the audience feel and understand deep emotions. Greek plays were a mix of religion, storytelling, and lessons about life.

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Greek theater started as part of religious festivals to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. In the 5th century BCE, there was a big change: plays became more complex with actors, dialogue, and stories. This was called a "revolution" in theater. Famous writers like Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes created powerful tragedies and funny comedies. The purpose of Greek drama was not only to entertain, but also to make people think about important ideas like fate, justice, and human behavior.

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Recurring figurative language:

Blood - Blood imagery is used to represent family ties, loyalty, and connections between characters.

“Each brother shedding a brother’s blood”

“By that same bloodright, as next of kin, I claim the throne”

“Sharing their blood in death as in birth”

Water / Ship - Water and sea imagery is used to conveys the idea of harsh condition, survival, and stability.

“Our country, like a ship at sea, has survived the hurricane”

“The gods have navigated us into calmer waters now”

“The State, the Fatherland, is everything to us, the ship we all sail in. If she sinks, we all drown.”

Honor - Honor/Heroism imagery is used to portray loyalty to Creon and the State.

“Eteocles, who died fighting for his country with all the honours”

“People who serve the State, alive or dead… I shall honour them for their patriotism”

“No one who is an enemy of the State Shall ever be any friend of mine.”

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What was the DIONYSIA?

The Dionysia was a big festival held every year in Athens in March to honor the god Dionysus. It included rituals, sacrifices, and theater performances.

Who was DIONYSUS?

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, fertility, theater, celebration, and ecstasy. He was the son of a god and a mortal, and he helped connect humans to the gods

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What is Hubris and are any of our characters showing hubris?

Hubris means having pride or arrogance. Characters that show Hubris are Creon and Antigone. Creon thinks his laws are more important than the laws of the gods and refuses to listen to others and acts like he’s always right. Antigone is very proud and won’t back down, even when warned. Also, She thinks she knows better than Creon and is willing to die to prove her point.

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i. Consider audience reaction and how they feel towards characters and the conflicts Sophocles presents.

The audience might feel sympathy for the soldier because he’s scared didn’t do anything wrong but could still be punished. This could make them feel angry and annoyed towards Creon because he is not being fair and jumps to conclusions too quickly.

ii.  Understand Creon's perspective and the dilemmas, conflicts he faces.

Creon wants to keep order and power. He’s afraid that if people break his rules, others will too. His fear of losing control makes his act unfair and harsh. A conflict he faces is choosing between the law and his family. When Antigone went against his law, he had to choose between the two.

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2 Main fears:

The soldier’s

1. Fear of being blamed for burying the body

2. Fear of delivering bad news

I feel sympathy for the soldier because he is just trying to do his job. He didn’t commit the crime, but he’s the one facing the punishment. This makes it easy to understand his distress and how he feels.

Creon’s

1. Fear of losing control/power

2. Fear of political conspiracy

I feel antipathy for Creon because he refuses to listen, accuses innocent people, and puts his pride above fairness. This makes it hard to understand his actions and how he feels.

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1. Creon doesn’t know Antigone buried the body so he blames others and talks about bribes, but the audience knows it was Antigone.

This is dramatic irony because we know something he doesn’t.

2. The soldier says he hopes they find the person but he really just wants to get away and not get in trouble.

This is verbal irony because he says one thing but means another

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All about democracy

In ancient Athens, democracy meant that citizens were directly involved in making laws and decisions. They used a system called ostracism to protect their city by voting to exile someone who might become too powerful. Athenian values like equality, fairness, and civic duty were very important, and every citizen was expected to take part in public life.

Questions:

1. What kind of democracy did ancient Athens have?
It has a direct democracy. Citizens voted on laws and decisions themselves rather than electing leaders to do it for them.

2. What was the process of ostracism and how did it work?
Athenians could vote to exile someone from the city for 10 years. Citizens wrote a name on a piece of pottery called an ostracon. If enough people voted, that person was forced to leave, even if they hadn't done anything illegal.

3. Which cultural VALUES or principles do you think underpinned this process?
Protecting democracy and preventing any one person from gaining too much power.

4. What was seen as 'civic duty' for an Athenian?
Taking part in government decisions, serving on juries, and holding public office (often chosen by lottery).

5. What do you think could be the danger of one person getting too 'high' up in power?

If they had too much control they might not know what to do with it and it could make them worse leaders. It is also dangerous for one person to be able to make important decisions for whole city, especially if they only value their own interests.

Hubris & Nemesis

The Greek ideas of hubris and nemesis reflect important cultural values about balance, respect, and knowing your limits. Hubris means having too much pride or thinking you are above others, especially the gods. The Greeks believed this kind of behavior would lead to nemesis, or punishment which restored balance. These characters were common in myths and stories to show how arrogance can lead to a downfall.

Questions:

1. Which cultural values or principles do you think underpin the concepts of hubris and nemesis?
Values like humility and respect for the gods underpin the concepts of hubris and nemesis. The Greeks believed that if someone acted with pride or arrogance (hubris), they would be punished (nemesis) to maintan order.

2. How are hubris and nemesis illustrated in the famous Greek myth of Icarus & Daedalus?

Icarus shows hubris by ignoring his father’s warning and flying too close to the sun. The nemesis happens when his wings melt, and he falls into the sea. This shows how pride leads to his fall and death.

All about the underworld

The 5 Rivers of the Underworld:

Styx – River of hatred and unbreakable oaths; gods swear promises by it.

Acheron – River of sorrow and pain; dark and deep.

Cocytus – River of wailing and sadness.

Phlegethon – River of fire; may lead to Tartarus (place of punishment).

Lethe – River of forgetfulness; souls drink from it to forget their past life before reincarnation.

Charon (the Boatman):

Rows the ferry across the rivers to the Underworld.

Only souls with coins (placed on eyes or under tongue when buried) can cross.

Souls without coins are stuck between life and death.

Cerberus (the Guard Dog):

Multi-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld.

Lets souls in, but never out.

Tartarus:

Deep, dark pit at the bottom of the Underworld.

Used to punish evil or wicked souls.

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Creon and Antigone both have valid arguments. Creon thinks laws should be followed to keep order, while Antigone believes family and religious duties are more important than laws. Creon wants to punish traitors, but Antigone thinks all the dead deserve respect. This makes the audience question whether laws or personal values are more important, showing that both characters right in some ways but also wrong because of their pride.

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Firstly, decide whether Creon or Haemon is the 'voice of reason' in the exchange, and WHY (summarize).

Haemon is the voice of reason in the exchange because he calmly tries to convince Creon to be less stubborn and to listen to other people's advice. Haemon explains that a good leader should not act with too much pride and should be willing to change their mind if they are wrong.

Secondly, if one is the 'Voice of Reason', then what would you classify or call the other voice/character? Create your own definition and again, briefly explain why.

If Haemon is the Voice of Reason, then Creon can be called the Voice of Pride. He refuses to listen to Haemon’s advice or the opinions of the people because he is too focused on their own power and authority.

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Questions:

1. Is it clear that the lives of humans are decided by FATE/GODS or do they have FREEWILL?

The text suggests that while humans may use their free will and make choices, their outcomes are often shaped or sealed by fate or the gods.

2. How could you paraphrase wolf's main idea and put it into your own words to clarify?

Greek tragedies show a blurry difference between people choosing their actions and being controlled by fate. These stories are written at a time when people were starting to believe they had some control over their lives, even if they didn’t understand how much fate also controlled they lives.

3. If the question of ‘will the character die or not?’ is put aside, or taken out of the equation, then what does the play, Antigone really focus on? Or what does Sophocles want the audience to think over or ‘learn’?

Without the question of ‘will the character die or not?, Antigone becomes more about why she chooses to die, and what her death represents.

4. How could you paraphrase wolf's main idea and put it into your own words to clarify?

Tragic playwrights like Sophocles don’t give us straight answers about who’s responsible whether it is humans or the gods. Instead, they leave the question open for the readers to think deeply about.

5. Create a strong STATEMENT - a possible THESIS STATEMENT in response to the questions.

a) Ancient Greek tragedies like Antigone show that human beings are always in the tension between free will and fate, they aim to communicate that understanding responsibility and moral action needs deep reflection.

b) Through Antigone, Sophocles suggests that the real tragedy is not death, but the conflict between moral beliefs and political authority, humans struggle to find meaning in choices when their fate is inevitable.

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Notes:

Creon’s Points:

Believes Antigone is overly dramatic and stubborn.

Orders her to be sealed in a stone tomb alive.

Claims her death is her own choice, not his fault.

Thinks she doesn’t belong among the living anymore.

Antigone’s Points:

Accepts death and calls it her “honeymoon bed” and “crypt.”

She believes she’s being punished unfairly for burying her brother out of love and duty.

She honors family above all since her parents and other brothers are dead.

Thinks no god or human will help her now.

Feels denied love, marriage, children, and friendship.

Stands by her moral decision and hopes others will see the injustice.

Chorus:

Compares Antigone’s fate to other tragic figures

Suggests fate is unavoidable, even for royalty or the children of gods.

Reminds the audience that the gods’ will and fate are stronger than power, armies, or human plans.

Comments on Creon’s arrogance and hints at punishment for challenging divine forces.

Key Themes:

Fate vs. Free Will: Antigone acts by choice, but cannot escape punishment, suggesting a mix of both.

Divine Law vs. Human Law: Antigone obeys the gods’ burial laws, while Creon enforces state laws.

Pride and Power: Creon’s pride blinds him to justice and mercy.

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15 lines shift:

creon. Neither have I, man! . . . I know that much

As well as you . . . My mind’s torn apart

Like a tug of war, one way, then the other . .

How can I give way now? But how

Can I stand here like a fool, and wait

Stubbornly for whatever disaster may be coming?

chorus. Lord Creon . . . it’s time to take good advice.

creon. Give it then. Don’t be afraid. I’ll listen.

chorus. Release the woman from her underground prison:

And give honourable burial to the dead man.

creon. Oh, so that’s your advice! Total collapse,

Analysis:

In these lines, Creon has a clear shift in attitude. At first, he is angry and stubborn, refusing to listen to Teiresias. But after the prophet leaves, Creon starts to doubt himself. He says his mind is “torn apart” which shows that he feels confused and scared. This is a huge change from his attitude and confidence at the beginning. When he finally asks the Chorus for advice and agrees to listen, it shows that he is starting to realize he may have made a mistake.

TEAL paragraph:

(T) The shift in the exchange between Tiresias and Creon reveals how Creon is beginning to realize the mistake he has made. (E) During the excerpt, Creon responds to the chorus saying, “Give it then. Don’t be afraid. I’ll listen.” (A)This line shows how Creon is finally taking advice from others instead of always thinking he is right, suggesting that he may be starting to doubt himself which is a big shift from his confidence at the start. (L) That quote can indicate that Creon is starting to see his own mistakes.

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Part 1 - FIND THREE TRUTHS

Truth 1 -

“The man who can recognise what he has done, see that he was mistaken, or morally wrong, admit it, and put it right, that man proves that it is never too late to become wise.” (Sophocles 43)

Why it's an important truth -

Teiresias is telling Creon that being proud and stubborn is dangerous, and real strength means being able to admit when you're wrong. A good leader needs to be humble and open to change.

Truth 2 -

“You have buried the one still living … and the dead man you have left, unwashed, unwept … you usurp ancient rights which even the gods themselves don’t dare to question.” (Sophocles 45)

Why it's an important truth -

This shows that Creon’s actions go against the gods and are unfair. It reminds us that some things like burying the dead for example, should always be respected.

Truth 3 -

“You’re like a man balanced on a razor, likely to fall – or cut himself to pieces.” (Sophocles 42)

Why it's an important truth -

This shows that Creon is close to bringing disaster on himself because of his pride. Teiresias warns that being too sure of yourself and refusing to listen can lead to your downfall, especially for someone in power.

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Part 2 - Who was Tiresias?

Who he is:
Tiresias is a famous prophet from Thebes, often connected to its rulers and myths.

Lifespan:
He lived a very long life and was even asked for advice after death (e.g. by Odysseus in the Underworld).

Gender transformation:
Born male → turned into a woman after killing a female snake → lived as a woman, had children → turned back into a man.

Blindness:
He was made blind by the gods — some myths say it was for offending Athena or Hera.

Powers:

Gifted with prophecy (divination) by the gods.

Could see the future and read signs from birds (augury).

His powers were a gift to make up for his blindness.

Symbol:

Often carried a special staff (wood or gold).

Shown in art as a bearded prophet with religious tools.

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Part 3 - Critical thinking final question

Why do you think Tiresias had an impact on Creon?

What do you think Sophocles means to show through this exchange between Creon and Tiresias? 4-8 sentences total.

Tiresias impacts Creon because he’s a trusted prophet who has been right before. At first, Creon is angry, but Tiresias’ warning scares him and makes him think again. Sophocles uses their interaction to show that pride and stubbornness can be dangerous. A good leader should listen, admit when they’re wrong, and respect the gods. Ignoring important advice can lead to disaster and chaos.

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Questions:

1.How are Creon's actions seen both by himself and others?

Creon sees his own actions as the cause of his family's deaths and feels deep guilt. He says, "I alone am guilty. I killed her. I killed my son." This shows how he realizes too late that his pride and stubbornness led to his own losses. The Chorus and Messenger also see him as responsible for the deaths of his son and his wife. Even Eurydice curses him before dying. Everyone, including Creon, agrees that his decisions brought destruction.

2.How far is Creon humanized in this scene and does the audience sympathize with him?

Creon is very humanized in this scene as he openly grieves, shows guilt, and begs for death. He admits he was wrong and takes full responsibility for what happened. He says, "Lead me away. I have been rash and foolish. I have killed my son and my wife." This explains how much Creon is suffering and that he takes full responsibility. The audience might feel sympathy for him because he suffers so much. Even though he is the reason why.

3.What messages does The Chorus send in closing?

The Chorus sends the message that wisdom and respect for the gods are most important in life. They warn that pride and arrogance lead to downfall and suffering. They say that pain teaches people important lessons. They remind the audience that no one is above the laws of the gods and fate.

4. How do you think watching or reading about a character's catharsis can affect  the viewer?

Watching a character’s catharsis can make the viewer feel strong emotions like pity, sadness, and fear. It helps people understand the danger of pride and the importance of learning from mistakes. It can also be a strong reminder of how human weakness can lead to suffering. This helps the audience reflect on their own lives and choices.

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4-3-2-1 Activity

4 Lessons learned’ by Creon

1. “I sentenced her, and I’ll set her free,” He agrees to undo his own order. Before, Creon was punishing Antigone, but now he changes his mind.

2. “Tear down the bricks with my own hands,” He acts personally rather than using authority. Before, he commanded others, now, he physically takes responsibility.

3. “My fear tells me it is,” He admits fear is guiding him. Earlier, he acted out of pride and authority, not fear.

4. “Perhaps it is wiser to let the old laws stand,” He accepts the wisdom of the gods over his own laws. Before, he insisted human law was above divine will.

3 Uses of imagery & their meanings

1. In the quote, “Now in your city Another disaster threatens, fear Locks up our tongues, and, like a plague sore on the face, The State’s disease is made public. We have done wrong.” The Chorus compares the city's crisis to a visible disease, implying or meaning that Creon’s actions have caused obvious harm to the state

2. In the quote, “One moment a man / Rides high on his fortune, and the same moment / He crashes to the depths. Luck, like the tide, / Is certain to ebb, after the flow, / And no man can tell what will happen tomorrow.” The Messenger reflects on Creon’s fall from power and happiness, implying or meaning that human fortune is unstable, and pride can lead to sudden downfall.

3. In the quote, “When Creon saw them, / He staggered into the cave, groaning / Like an animal” Creon reacts with uncontrollable grief, implying or meaning that he is in a broken state. This shows the emotional impact of his actions.

2 Deaths

1. In the first quote, Antigone dies. She dies by suicide, hanging herself in the cave before Creon can release her.

2. In the second quote, Haemon dies. He also dies by suicide, stabbing himself after failing to kill Creon and finding Antigone dead.

1 Plea or prayer

1. Who to and what for?

The Chorus is praying to Dionysus. They are begging for relief and healing from the chaos in Thebes. They want Dionysus to bring joy, peace, and an end to their pain.

BONUS Q: ‘Zoom out’ -how could this connect to the whole Dionysia festival?

This connects to the Dionysia festival because that festival was made to honor Dionysus. The Chorus is praying to Dionysus to bring peace and healing after all the sadness. The prayer shows how the festival helped people deal with pain and find hope.

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Extract 9 quick write

The Athenian audience would likely feel sympathy for Antigone. They would admire her for standing by her family. Her courage in facing death for her beliefs would earn their respect. However, they would also see the tragedy of her situation. Her resistance against the king would seem both brave and hopeless. The audience would recognize the conflict between personal values and the law. They would feel torn, knowing her death is inevitable because of this issue. They might also feel sad for the broken family. Antigone’s pain would deeply affect them. In the end, they would admire her bravery, but the outcome would leave them heartbroken.