Name_____________________________ Classwork/Homework

Antigone- Scene 2
14 points

1. How does Sopocles describe Polyneices’ body (line 25)?

2. What do lines 36-43 say about Antigone’s

motives for burying her brother?

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3. When the sentries confront Antigone, she

does not attempt to deny what she has done.
Why not?

4. Why does Creon ask the question in lines 54-55? What is he hoping to hear? What does this reveal
about Creon?

5. Antigone tells Creon that he is strong but not as strong as—who or what (lines 58-64)?

6. In lines 73-75, Sophocles indirectly poses a question to the audience: Who is the fool? Who is right
and who is wrong? What do you think? Support your answer.

7. What does it mean that Creon fears “brazen boasting of barefaced anarchy” even more than he fears
“crimes kept in the dark?’ Look up any words you don’t understand
8.. In lines 108 to 119, Creon accuses Antigone of disloyalty to her brother Eteocles (against whom
Polyneices fought). What argument does Antigone offer in return?

9. Creon accuses Ismene of helping Antigone to bury their brother Polyneices. Does Ismene tell Creon
the truth—that she is innocent? Why or why not, do you think?

10. Why does Antigone speak coldly to her sister in line 131? Why will Antigone not allow Ismene to
help her?

11. Earlier in the play, Ismene stated her unwillingness to die. Why does she now state that she is
ready to die?

12. In lines 135-136, Antigone distinguishes between actions and words. What does she mean when
she states “words are not friends?”

13. In line 154, we learn from Ismene that Antigone is not only Creon’s niece but is also about to be—
what other relation to Creon? What is Creon’s son’s name (line 156)?

14. In line 162-164, Creon states that Antigone and Ismene must be well guarded, “for they are but
women.” How accurate is Creon’s judgment here of the two sisters? Are they likely to attempt to
escape death?