ANTIGONE WEBQUEST

ANTIGONE WEBQUEST An Introduction to Greek Tragedy

Welcome to the Antigone WebQuest! • 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.

Sophocles was born and raised in Athens He is regarded as one of the world’s greatest playwrights. He frequently won 1st place at the Dionysian festivals, which were competitions between playwrights. Meet Sophocles(496-406 B.C.) • During his life, he wrote over 100 plays, but only 7 have survived. • Among these 7 are: Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone.

The Greek Theater Greek Theater was a celebration in ancient Athens, Greece that was held in honor of Dionysos (the god of wine). During these celebrations, Athenians gathered to watch competitions between playwrights. It was these competitions that Sophocles often won.

The Greek Theater 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.

Tragedy • Tragedy is a work of literature that results in a catastrophe for the main character. • In Greek drama, the main character 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.

Typical Structure of a Tragedy • 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

The typical structure of a tragedy is as follows: • 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 Dionysos • Exodos – final exiting scene

Greek Theatre Acting costumes and mask Structure of the Greek Theater Actors Click on the icons.

Now that you are familiar with Greek Tragedy, you are ready to begin your task… 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.

Family Life – Antigone’s Dad • WRITE in complete sentences. (Click on the links on the following pages. List facts on each.): 1. Oedipus’s Early Life 2. Oedipus’s Exile 3. The death of Eteocles and Polyneices ( continue webquest to find information)

Family Life – Antigone’s Dad • 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

A Tragedy between Brothers • As if the tragedy surrounding her father’s life and exile was not horrific enough, Antigone must now face the death of her brothers. • Click here to learn more about Eteocles and Polyneices

Greek Society(3 Important Facts) • Religion • Government (check 510 BC ) • Role of Women – click on the “Daily Life” tab and then click on “Women’s Life” • Hubris – Find the definition

The following information can be used to fill out your STUDY GUIDE… • Title: Antigone • Author: • Publication Date: • Setting: • Genre:

Vocabulary • Hubris: arrogance or overweening pride which causes the hero’s transgression against the gods.

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

ANTIGONE WEBQUEST