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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. Polynices is Ismene's ______________.

2. What does Ismene say Creon has that will drag them to the scaffold?

3. What is the agreement between Eteocles and Polynices?

4. What is Creon's occupation?

5. What did Haemon do in Part 3 that caused the quarrel between him and Antigone?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Ismene and Antigone each react to Creon's edict?

2. Explain the convoluted path to the throne from Oedipus to Creon. Detail the characters and the way they became king.

3. What does Creon represent in Part 4?

4. Elaborate on the purpose of the play's vague setting.

5. In Part 7, what is the symbolism of the guards coming in and sitting down to play cards?

6. What does Creon do that gives him a more human quality than he has previously shown?

7. After learning that everyone is dead, Creon leaves to make a council meeting. What is ironic about this?

8. Who was responsible for Oedipus's death and why? What did Oedipus do before he died?

9. Why do you think that Antigone lies to Creon when he asks if anyone else knows what she is doing in Part 5?

10. In Part 4, the Chorus highlights the stillness at the heart of tragedy. What is the significance of stillness in the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What purpose does the Chorus serve? Is it a genuine character or more of a narrator? Do you think that his role is necessary or extraneous? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Creon's role in the play represents destiny or fate. He alone holds Antigone's future in his hands, though one might argue that Antigone is a factor in her own destiny. However, Antigone seems to have surrendered herself to whatever may come. Describe situations in the play where Creon's power over Antigone's life or death is played out. What is Creon's rationale for sending Antigone to her death? Why does he feel he has no other option, even though Antigone is engaged to his son? What purpose will her death serve in what he considers his ultimate destiny?

Essay Topic 3

Up until the end, Antigone appears unsure of Haemon's true feelings for her. She wavers between thinking he desires Ismene to believing he loves her and her alone. Recalling passages from the play, what do you think Haemon's character represents? Do you think he represents true love? Perhaps he represents stability or honor or faithfulness. Explain what you think Haemon represents and why.

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