Exploring Themes in Antigone

Read the following passage from "Antigone": *"I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy: I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me."* Based on this passage, what motivates Antigone's decision to bury her brother, Polynices, despite the king's edict?

• A desire for personal glory

• A sense of familial duty and religious obligation

• A wish to defy Creon for political reasons

• A need to prove her bravery to Ismene

Consider the following passage where Creon speaks about leadership: *"The State is the King!"* What does this statement reveal about Creon's leadership style and his view of governance?

• He believes in a democratic process

• He sees himself as a servant of the people

• He equates his authority with the state's power, indicating an autocratic style

• He values the counsel of others in decision-making

Analyze the following passage where Antigone and Ismene discuss their options: *"We are only women, we cannot fight with men, Antigone!"* How does this passage highlight the theme of gender roles and societal expectations in the play?

• It shows that women are expected to be submissive and obedient

• It suggests that women are naturally more rebellious than men

• It implies that women have more power than they realize

• It indicates that women are seen as equals to men

Reflect on the following passage where Creon addresses the Chorus: *"An enemy is an enemy, even dead."* What does this statement suggest about Creon's perspective on justice and loyalty?

• He believes in forgiveness and reconciliation

• He holds a rigid view of justice, prioritizing state loyalty over personal relationships

• He values personal relationships over state laws

• He is indifferent to matters of justice and loyalty

Examine the following passage where Haemon speaks to Creon: *"It is not reason never to yield to reason!"* What does Haemon's argument reveal about his understanding of leadership and governance?

• He believes that leaders should be inflexible and unyielding

• He values adaptability and the willingness to listen to others

• He thinks leaders should always follow public opinion

• He supports Creon's autocratic style

Consider the following passage where Antigone speaks about her actions: *"I dared. It was not God's proclamation. That final Justice that rules the world below makes no such laws."* How does this passage illustrate the theme of civil disobedience in the play?

• It shows Antigone's respect for Creon's laws

• It highlights her belief in divine law over human law

• It indicates her fear of divine retribution

• It suggests her indifference to all laws

Analyze the following passage where Creon reflects on his rule: *"The inflexible heart breaks first, the toughest iron cracks first."* What does this passage suggest about Creon's understanding of his own leadership flaws?

• He acknowledges the need for flexibility and change

• He believes in maintaining a strict and unyielding rule

• He sees no flaws in his leadership style

• He thinks that being inflexible is a sign of strength

Reflect on the following passage where the Chorus comments on the events: *"Wisdom is by far the greatest part of joy, and reverence towards the gods must be inviolate."* How does this passage encapsulate the play's message about wisdom and reverence?

• It suggests that wisdom is irrelevant to happiness

• It emphasizes the importance of respecting divine laws and wisdom

• It implies that joy comes from defying the gods

• It indicates that wisdom is less important than power

Consider the following passage where Creon speaks to Antigone: *"You alone, of all the people in Thebes, see things that way."* What does this statement reveal about Creon's perception of Antigone's actions and beliefs?

• He sees her as a representative of the people's will

• He views her as isolated and misguided in her beliefs

• He believes she has the support of the majority

• He thinks she is a threat to his rule

Analyze the following passage where Tiresias warns Creon: *"The time is not far off when you shall pay back corpse for corpse, flesh of your own flesh."* What does this prophecy suggest about the consequences of Creon's actions?

• It implies that Creon's actions will have no repercussions

• It warns that Creon's stubbornness will lead to personal tragedy

• It suggests that Creon will be rewarded for his actions

• It indicates that Creon will gain more power