190 likes | 487 Views
Antigone. The Structure of Greek Tragedies. Greek Dramas follow a formula:. The Prologue: The opening scene that sets the tone for the play. The Parodos : The entrance of 12-15 men that make up the Chorus.
E N D
Antigone The Structure of Greek Tragedies
Greek Dramas follow a formula: • The Prologue: The opening scene that sets the tone for the play. • The Parodos: The entrance of 12-15 men that make up the Chorus. • The Chorus: Sings/Chants background information that helps the viewer/reader follow the play/story. • Episodes: The scenes to the play. • Stasimon: A speech or an ode (a lyric poem) performed by the chorus that comes after the episode. • Exodos: When all the actors and Chorus march off the stage at the end of the play
The Prologue: The Opening Scene in Antigone • The theme is revealed: Conflict between man’s law and the Gods. • Antigone & Ismene (sisters) talk about Creon’s edict (an order issued by an official) that honors one of their brothers and condemns the other. • Antigone intends to defy the Creon’s edict. Ismene refuses to help in fear of the death penalty.
The Chorus: Gives the viewer/reader background information on the plot. • In Antigone, the Chorus speak about a battle in which Polynieces & Eteocles died. • Polynieces & Eteocles are brothers who lead opposite sides of the Thebes’ civil war. • Polynieces & Eteocles are Antigone and Ismene’s brothers.
Antigone: Episode 1 • In Episode 1, Creon, the new ruler of Thebes, makes his formal announcement on how he will rule. • He declares how Eteocles will be honored and buried. Polynieces will be disgraced and served as food for animals unfit for humans. • Creon is informed by a guard that his edict has been defied.
Antigone: First Stasimon (Speech/Ode by the chorus) • The Chorus sings/tells the audience about the wonders and power of men. • Power that can be used for good or evil. • Men that are lawless must be condemned.
Antigone: Episode 2 • The Guard reveals that Antigone buried Polynieces’ body. • Creon confronts Antigone and she argues that she was following divine law (law of the Gods) which is superior to the law of men. • Creon suspects that Ismene helped her. Ismene falsely confesses to the crime but Antigone criticizes her for trying to. • It is revealed that Antigone is engaged to Haemon (Creon’s son). • Both women are arrested.
Antigone: Second Stasimon • The Chorus sings about the curse that follows the house of Labdacidae (house of King Oedipus, the father of Antigone, Ismene, Eteocles, & Polynieces. • The Chorus explains that the curse follows each generation. • The chorus warns that human error is always met with divine punishment & retribution.
Antigone: Episode 3 • Haemon (Antigone’sfiance) argues with his father Creon’s decision to punish Antigone. • Creon decides to ignore his son’s pleas & threatens to kill Antigone. • Haemon leaves vowing to never return. • Creon announces that Antigone will be deserted with little food so she can die without the blood being on his hands.
Antigone: Third Stasimon • The Chorus speaks about the love and its power over men. • Love conquers all.
Antigone: Episode 4 • Creon decides to spare Ismene & condemns Antigone to death. • Antigone continues to defend her actions. • Antigone is led to her death
Antigone: Fourth Stasimon • The Chorus says an ode (speech) about men who have faced great adversity (difficulties/misfortune).
Antigone: Episode 5 • Teiresias, the blind prophet, tells Creon that the Gods and the public side with Antigone and that Creon should back down. • Creon accuses Teiresias of being bribed. • Teiresias leaves Creon with a prophecy (death of his son).
Antigone: Fifth Stasimon • The Chorus sings an ode to Bacchus hoping he will save the city of Thebes from its present crisis.
Antigone: Exodos • A messenger reveals that Antigone and Haemon are dead. • Eurydice (Haemon’s mother/Creon’s wife) takes her own life after she learns that her son is dead. • Creon, broken hearted wanders away.