1. Introduction to Antigone

2.  The theater- Greek drama was part of religious festival. Originally for Dionysis  Actors- all roles were played by men wearing large masks, extravagant robes, and platform shoes. Sophocles used three.  Chorus- Commented on the play’s action and consisted of around 15 men.  The tragic Hero- a tragedy recounts the downfall of a dignified character, usually of noble birth. Possesses tragic flaw that theads to a catastrophe.

3.  visualize the play  Analyze what motivates the tragic hero and what makes him a nobleman.  Examine conflict and determine causes  The chorus acts as a conscience  DETERMINE WHAT THE PLAY SHOWS IS IMPORTANT TO THE CULTURE IN WHICHIT WAS ORIGINALLY PERFORMED!

5.  The role of fate- cursed house of Thebes  The role of women- typical – Ismene vs. atypical – Antigone  The role of government- Who’s law is higher the gods or the kings?  Natural rights- Every human being is entitled to basic rights  Suicide- In ancient Greece it was a valid option

7.  Dramatic Irony  Verbal Irony  Situational Irony  Elements of tragedy  Tragic Hero  Forshadowing  Mood  Figurative language

9.  Stay the same all throughout literature in every society.  The Hero- the life of the protagonist can be clearly divided into a series of will-marked adventures which strongly suggest a ritualistic pattern:  Mother is a virgin; unusual conception  At birth an attempt is made to kill him  Orphan  Upon reaching manhood, returns to his future kingdom  Overpowers beast or marries princess  Loses favor with the gods, is driven from the city  Meets a mysterious death  Body is not buried, usually one or more holy sepulchers

11.  Came from a rich family near Athens  Excellent education  Most plays are really optimistic  He saw men ad powerful, reactional, creative beings, the masters of the world around them and proud creations of the god.  Peloponnesian War affected literature  Wrote over 100 plays in his life, but only 7 survived

14.  Based on events that already took place and with which the audience is familiar  The protagonist is a person of noble birth and stature  The protagonist has a weakness, and because of it, becomes isolated and suffers a downfall.  The audience pities him.  The fallen protagonist gains self-knowledge.  Audience experiences a series of emotions.  Drama unfolds quickly

18. Daughter of Oedipus Married his mother- Jocasta They had four kids Polyneices Eteocles Antigone Ismene

19.  Fortold that son’s would kill each other  Nothing good would come to his children  Brothers fought for Thebes and both died  Creon became king

20. Eteocles buried like a hero Polynices lay outside the city, unburied! Antigone was upset about this because without a proper burial a person could not pass on.