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Name_____________________________ Classwork/Homework

Antigone- Scene 1
11 points

1. In his speech to the chorus, King Creon states that he places a higher value on the welfare of the state
than he does on personal friendships and relationships. So, even though Polyneices was Creon’s own
nephew, Creon will not allow him a proper burial. Why do you think Creon makes this speech?

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2. How do we know that Antigone is the protagonist and Creon is the
are needed to see this picture.
antagonist of this play? Who are we more likely to sympathize with?

3. How do you think Creon will react to Antigone’s disobedience?

4. In lines 77-78, Creon states that someone might disobey his decree because he or she wants money.
What do these words reveal about his character? Is it money that motivates Antigone to disobey him?

5. In Greek theater, much of the action takes place off-stage and is reported by a messenger. In this case
the messenger is the sentry (watchman). What news does he have to report? Why is he so fearful?
6. In line 106, Creon assumes that a man (and not a woman) has defied his order. Why does he make this
assumption (recall Ismene’s words in the prologue)?

7. In lines 120-123, the sentry reports on the extremes the soldiers were willing to go to to prove that they
did not cover the body. What does this tell us about the way they regard Creon?

8. In line 131, the choragus asks the King whether the gods might have buried Polyneices. Why does
Creon respond with such fury?

9. What does Creon reveal about himself in lines 140-149?

10. What does line 161 reveal about the sentry? Does he believe that the person who buried Polyneices
did the right thing?

11. With what does Creon threaten the sentry? What does the sentry resolve to do to avoid this fate?

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