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Antigone (441 BCE)

Author: Sophocles
Type: Play · Ancient Greek tragedy
FPS Group: Group 2 — FPS Choice/Dev
Era/Period: WH Era 1 — Ancient Greece
ELA Standards: 9-10.R.8 · 9-10.R.9
WH Standards: WH.6_12.1 · WH.6_12.2
Copyright: Public domain — include a substantial excerpt

What This Text Is About

Antigone, written by Sophocles in 441 BCE, is an ancient Greek tragedy that tells the story of two siblings, Antigone and her sister Ismene, who struggle with their family's tragic past and the laws set forth by their uncle King Creon. After a war between Thebes and Argos, Antigone's brother Polynices is killed in battle. He was seen as a traitor because he fought against his own city-state. As punishment for this act of treason, King Creon decrees that no one should bury Polynices or mourn him publicly. However, Antigone believes it is her duty to give her brother the proper burial rites, regardless of what the law says. She defies the king's order and secretly buries Polynices at night. This act sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy for everyone involved.

Sophocles wrote Antigone during a time when Athens was experiencing great change and turmoil. The play explores deep questions about the nature of justice, morality, and the conflict between individual conscience and state authority. It is one of his most famous works and remains relevant today as it continues to provoke thought about these timeless issues.

Read It

Public domain — include a 200-300 word excerpt.

Antigone's Defiance Speech from Scene II:

CREON: And the man who does not observe the decree that I have made will die. ANTIGONE: Well, he has spoken. Yet what is said in ignorance cannot be of force. I am here to speak against it; and I shall gain a great renown for doing so; for mine is no deed that merits condemnation. The dead man was my brother, and though I loved him greatly, I cannot give way in this matter. Nor will my husband ever blame me: what could be more glorious than the name of lawgiver? No—these laws were made not by Zeus or Justice to bind me. And therefore I shall not suffer any punishment at all for my actions. I am proud of it.

Creon's Counter-Argument about the Primacy of the State from Scene II:

CREON: And yet you have defied me and your king, and you will die. You cannot have the law on your side if you act against it. ANTIGONE: I would not do anything to dishonor the laws that are in honor with the gods above—no man can ever say of them ‘these things may be done or left undone’ as he pleases.

Why This Text Matters

Antigone is a foundational text in literature and philosophy, exploring themes such as justice, morality, law, and the nature of authority. It highlights the conflict between personal conscience and societal laws—a dilemma that continues to challenge people today. Written at a time when Athenian democracy was flourishing but also facing internal strife, Sophocles' play provides insight into the social dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by ancient Greeks. The story's enduring relevance lies in its ability to reflect on universal human experiences of obedience, defiance, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Students today can connect with Antigone as they navigate their own moral decisions about following rules versus acting according to personal beliefs. The play raises questions that are still pertinent: when should one obey the law, and when is it justified to defy authority for the sake of ethical or spiritual principles? It encourages readers to think critically about laws, justice, and the limits of governmental power.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.8 The play explores the theme of conflict between individual conscience and societal law through dramatic irony (e.g., Antigone’s defiance despite her awareness of the consequences).
9-10.R.9 Through characterization, students can analyze how Sophocles portrays different viewpoints on justice and morality (Antigone vs. Creon), highlighting their arguments and beliefs.
9-10.W.4 Students could write an argumentative essay defending Antigone’s actions based on moral principles or critiquing her decision as a violation of state authority.

Social Studies Connection

Antigone provides historical context to the era when Athens was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, grappling with internal political and social issues. The play reflects the Athenian democratic system and its challenges during the Classical Period. Students can explore how Sophocles' work relates to broader historical events such as the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) and examine the significance of Antigone in understanding ancient Greek society.

Key Vocabulary

  1. Decree - An order or law issued by a government authority.
  2. Burial rites - Ceremonies performed to honor the dead according to cultural traditions.
  3. Treason - The act of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to overthrow its government.
  4. Dramatic irony - A literary device where the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not.
  5. Moral dilemma - A situation involving an ethical conflict between two equally desirable alternatives.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argumentative essay defending Antigone's decision to bury her brother based on moral principles and divine law versus Creon’s stance of upholding state authority.
  2. Compare Antigone with a historical event or document (e.g., the Magna Carta) that discusses similar themes of justice, law, and individual rights.
  3. Reflect on contemporary issues where individuals face decisions about following laws versus personal beliefs and write an essay discussing parallels between Antigone’s situation and today's moral dilemmas.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

Antigone's story is incredibly relevant in today’s world, where issues of justice, morality, and authority are constantly debated. The play raises questions about civil disobedience and the limits of governmental power, which resonate with contemporary discussions on human rights and social justice movements worldwide. Students can relate to Antigone’s struggle as they encounter similar moral dilemmas in their own lives—whether it's standing up for what they believe is right against established norms or laws that seem unjust.

ELA Reading Library · SDA Commons · South High School