Antigone by Sophocles

The Greek dramatist, Sophocles, wrote Antigone, in approximately 441 BC. Antigone is part of a trilogy known as The Theban Plays (or Oedipus Cycle) and chronologically it is the third and final play. It has survived for over 2,400 years as a masterwork of dramatic literature. It highlights the vulnerabilities and conflicts in human societies and psychology. The central conflict, an individual standing up to an authoritarian regime, has made the play historically relevant. Beyond this, the protagonist Antigone, is one of literature's earliest and iconic images of civil disobedience-- and a woman. The plot revolves around Antigone's steadfast decision to bury her disgraced brother, Polynices, in direct disobedience of King Creon's edict.
There are no simple villains in the play, and the main characters possess tragic flaws. There will be much for us to discuss!

Recommended editions:

The Theban Plays, Penguin Edition, Robert Fagles translator

Antigone (stand alone play), Harper Perennial, Robert Bagg translator

Discussion Questions for Antigone by Sophocles

1. The inciting incident (which sets off the action and remains central to the play) is the burial or non-burial of Polyneices. What is wrong with leaving his corpse unburied? Does Polyneices deserve the sacrifice that Antigone makes for him?
2. How does the sentry who brings news to Creon that Polyneices’ body has been disturbed provide comic relief and also act as a foil for Antigone?
3. How would you describe Antigone’s character? In Greek, her name can mean “against reproduction” or possible “born to oppose” or “in place of the parents.” Do these help you to capture her qualities?
4. Antigone is almost universally depicted as a heroine (anti-heroine), but one reader claims she is an “idealistic but misguided girl who chose a horrible death in vain loyalty to one of her rotten, insurrectionist brothers.” Would you agree, in full or in part, with this assessment?
5. How would you compare Antigone to other characters, not only to Creon, but also to Ismene and Haemon?
6. How does the play pose the question, “What do I owe myself, my family, my community and my god—and how do I reconcile all these?”
7. Is Creon a dictator, especially in the way he turns on his niece, Antigone? Or does he represent an opposition of two principles in his effort to restore order to Thebes, which has been morally and institutionally shattered by Oedipus?
8. After the sentry informs Creon that Polyneices’ body has been ritually buried, Creon promises retribution. Then, the Chorus chooses to sing about mankind and its marvelous resilience. (One writer in the NYT, considers this ode, “…the greatest piece of writing in Greek drama.”). But, what does it have to do with the theme or action of the play?
9. What is Antigone’s attitude toward death? Why do you think Sophocles might have emphasized her relationship to death throughout the play?
10. Oedipus Rex, one of the plays in the Theban trilogy, makes the point that it is impossible to defeat fate. But in Antigone is fate an issue? Antigone isn’t trying to escape a prophecy. If not fate, then what then might be the driving force behind this play?
11. Throughout the 20th century, at times of historical crisis, adaptations of Antigone have been staged to meet the moment. Or comparisons have been found that speak to current events, and these have continued until now. In New York City alone, there have been at least five adaptations of the play in 2026. In your opinions, what are the reasons for the contemporary relevance of this 2500 year old play?