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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 happens to Polynices's body in Part 1?

2. What does Antigone do when she is confronted in Part 2?

3. In Part 2, what is one of the things Antigone says her family told her not to do?

4. What does Ismene fear Antigone will do if Ismene takes her eyes off of Antigone?

5. What is the initial result when Eteocles refuses to honor the agreement with Polynices?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. As is typical of a tragedy, the lovers die together; their marital bed now serving as their death bed. Do you think Creon is really surprised by Haemon's suicide?

3. What is the function of the Guardsmen? Consider their dialogue, their interaction with the "major" players, the Chorus' comments on them, and so on.

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

5. What remains for Creon to do after the deaths of his wife, his son and his niece?

6. How is Antigone to be put to death, and how does she feel about it?

7. What does Creon finally reveal to Antigone in Part 5 that leaves her confused?

8. Do you think Antigone's single-minded efforts to bury her brother are more about her attempts to get attention or gaining respect for her brother?

9. Do you think Antigone is to blame for what happens to her?

10. A case can be made for either Antigone or Creon as the tragic hero. Choose one and explain why you believe that person is the play's tragic hero.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author chose to employ irony in the relationship between Haemon and Antigone. Antigone repeatedly expresses doubts that Haemon truly loves her, despite his insistence that he does. The ironic part of their relationship is in their deaths. Haemon gives his life for Antigone, in a manner, declaring his love for her by dying for her. However, Antigone is already dead and cannot gain any peace from his sacrifice. What purpose, if any, does his futile death serve for the reader? Why?

Essay Topic 2

A strong and perhaps puzzling image used to close out the play is the three guards playing cards. On the surface, this seems an odd way to end the play, yet, on another level, it could be viewed as a way to sum up all of the play's dramatic events. Just about everyone in this play is gambling in one manner or another. Using this analogy, compare Creon's, Antigone's, and Haemon's actions in the play to a game of cards. Does the adage, "The house always wins" hold true in each of these characters' situations, or did one or more of them actually walk away a winner? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The Chorus is another element common to Greek tragedies, often representing the feelings of the spectators of the tragedy. When there is sorrow and the character appears stoic, the Chorus wails its anguish. Anger, confusion, practically any extreme emotion is carried out by the Chorus while the characters seem resigned to whatever event might be occurring. Recall a situation where the Chorus is employed in "Antigone." What is the Chorus's role in this situation? Why?

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