1. An Introduction to Greek Tragedy

2. Sophocles The Greek Theater Before beginning your exploration into the world of Antigone, you must first become acquainted with Sophocles and The Greek Theater. The following pages will provide you with the information you need.

3. Born and raised in Athens Regarded as one of the world’s greatest playwrights. Frequently won 1 st place at the Dionysian festivals (which were competitions between playwrights). Wrote over 100 plays, but on 7 have survivied Among the 7 plays are: Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone

4. Theater was a celebration in ancient Greece that was held in honor of Dionysus (the god of wine). During these celebrations, Athenians gathered to watch competitions between playwrights. It was these competitions that Sophocles often won. The plays performed at these festivals usually exposed arrogance which emphasized reverence for the gods and included tragic events. Although violence and disrespect were central to the plot of most tragic plays, violence was never depicted on stage. Instead, these events occurred off stage.

5. Tragedy is a work of literature that results in a catastrophe for the main character. In Greek drama, the main character (Tragic Hero) was always a significant person, a king or a hero, and the cause of the tragedy was a tragic flaw, or weakness in his or her character.

6. Ancient Greek playwrights used a consistent format for most of their productions. A Chorus is used to divide the scenes (similar to how a curtain does in present day performances) through a song that comments on the action of the previous scene. The Choragos is the leader of the chorus, and serves as another character in the play.

7. Prologue – exposition which provide background to the conflict Parados or parode – Opening song or ode Strophê – the chorus sings a stanza while moving from right to left while singing Antistrophê - the chorus sings a stanza while moving from left to right while singing Epode – included in some odes as a final stanza Paean – a thanksgiving to Dionysus Exodos – final exiting scene

9. Audience seating “Dancing Place” where chorus sang to the audience Thymele Altar to Dionysus in center of orchestra where sacrifices were made Building used as a dressing room. Eto the theater used by the Chorus Proskenion Where most of the action took place; also served as a backdrop

10. Your Task: You are a detective assigned to investigate the death of Antigone. Before you can understand her death, you must first become aware of the circumstances surrounding her life. You will obtain background information about Anigone’s family life, and the society in which she lived, by following the trail of clues linked to her death.

11. Antigone, is part of a trilogy about the royal family of Thebes. The trilogy includes; Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone Follow the two links below to learn more about Antigone’s father, Oedipus: Oedipus’ Early Life Oedipus’ Exile

12. As if the tragedy surrounding her father’s life and exile was not horrific enough, Antigone must now face the death of her brothers. Eteocles and Polyneices

13. Religion Government Funeral Rites Role of Women – click on the “Daily Life” tab and then click on “Women’s Life” Role of Women Hubris – Find the definition Hubris

14. Title: Antigone Author: Sophocles Publication Date: 442 B.C Setting: The city of Thebes – Ancient Greece Genre: Drama

15. Name: Relationship to Others: Personality:Situations: Antigone Daughter of Oedipus, sister of Ismene, niece of Creon Strong, firm in her beliefs Main character, in conflict over the laws of the gods vs laws of man Ismene Daughter of Oedipus, Antigone’s sister Timid Also in conflict over the laws of the gods vs laws of man Eurydice Creon’s wife, mother of Haimon Obeys her duties as the King’s wife Wife of the King

16. Name: Relationship to Others: Personality:Situations: Creon Husband of Eurydice, father of Haimon Firm in his belief, unbending, an absolute ruler Recently became King of Thebes Haimon Son of Creon and Eurydice, Level headed Engaged to Antigone TeiresiasprophetWise He is a very respected blind prophet

17. Peripeteia Peripeteia: reversal of fortune Strophe Strophe: chanted as the chorus moves from right to left across the stage Anagnorisis Anagnorisis: recognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge Antistrophe Antistrophe: chanted as the chorus moves back across the stage from left to right. Nemesis Nemesis: fate that cannot be escaped Hamartia Hamartia: a tragic flaw, weakness of character or error in judgment which causes the downfall of the hero Hubris Hubris: arrogance or overweening pride which causes the hero’s transgression against the gods. Parados Parados: the first ode in a Greek tragedy, chanted by the chorus as it enters the orchestra Tragic Hero Tragic Hero: a high-born character whose downfall is brought about by a weakness or error in judgment Choragus Choragus: leader of the chorus Tragedy Tragedy: an imitation of a serious action which will arouse pity and fear in the viewer Catharsis Catharsis: purgation of emotions of pity and fear which leaves the viewer both relieved and elated.

18. You have just completed the Antigone WebQuest. You are now ready to begin your reading of the play.