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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the relationship between Antigone and Ismene, the two women at the start of the story?

2. What army decided to attack Thebes, though they were driven back during their efforts during the play?

3. Ismene feels powerless as a __________ at the start of the story, in addition to her family background.

4. Creon says that Ismene should also be put to death as she is guilty of ____________ in the burial.

5. Choragos speaks for the Chorus as ___________, pleading for more active support from others in the city during the play.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Creon say that Eteocles will receive a proper burial after his efforts in the battle?

2. Why did the sentry not intend to come back to speak to the king about what he knew about Antigone?

3. What transpired between the two brothers, according to the Chorus in the play during this scene?

4. What does Creon say about his position and his worthiness to be in such a position?

5. What are Choragos and the Chorus meant to represent during the rest of the play?

6. What did the guards do after Creon threatened the sentry initially after questioning him?

7. What is the punishment for Antigone if she goes against the decree of King Creon?

8. What are Antigone and Ismene commiserating about at the start of the story that drives the rest of the play?

9. Why is the sentry interrogated by Choragos after he is also yelled at and threatened by Creon?

10. No matter the vicissitudes of life, what does the Chorus say man is held in?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Chorus seems fickle at times, thus acting much like a mob in a city. However, they also have influence in the story, it seems.

Part 1: Do you think the mob mentality adds a new dimension to the story?

Part 2: Why do you think the Chorus can still affect the outcome of the story, even though it changes positions in the play?

Part 3: Does the commentary of the Chorus help your comprehension and enjoyment of the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The idea that this is a tragedy is mentioned halfway through the story, though the reader has probably already guessed this by that point.

Part 1: How do you think the author of the play defines the idea of tragedy?

Part 2: Why do you think it was important for the Chorus to mention that this play is a tragedy?

Part 3: Does the fact that bad things happen in this play make it more powerful for the reader? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

It's interesting to see a less modern book with strong female characters. This is not something one would normally expect to find in a Greek tragedy.

Part 1: Why do you think that Antigone was 'allowed' to be a strong character in this book?

Part 2: What is the advantage of having a woman in the role that Antigone plays instead of a man?

Part 3: Why do you think that the author thought that Antigone, as a character, would make the decisions she did, as opposed to someone else?

(see the answer keys)

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