Antigone

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 9

10th Grade

Lesson 2 of 10

Objective


Explain the function of the chorus in a Greek tragedy, both generally and in this specific scene.

Analyze the battle between the brothers and identify the king’s opinion of it.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Antigone by Sophocles  pp. 5 – 9

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What was the purpose of the Greek chorus in a Greek tragedy? 

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do the Chorus’s words in this scene mainly accomplish?

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Writing Prompt

Summarize Creon’s opinions of his two nephews, Eteocles and Polynices, using specific textual evidence from pp. 8–9.

Key Questions


  • What does the Chorus establish in the first three lines? Use the footnotes. p. 5
  • What is the “orb of aureate day?” p. 5
  • Who is the “man?” What side was he on? Use footnotes. p. 5
  • What happens to the “man”?
  • Where is the man in the second section? p. 5
  • Who’s “blood” filled his jaws? p. 6
  • Who is the “Dragon”? p. 6
  • What does Zeus abhor, and why would the people care? p. 6
  • Who is Capaneus, and what happened to him? Why? p. 6
  • Who is Tantalus, and whom are they comparing to him? Why? p. 6
  • What is the “Bacchic spell”? p. 6
  • According to the chorus, how was Polynieces feeling when he attacked Eteocles? p. 6
  • Who is Mighty Ares, and why would he be brought up here? p. 6
  • What happened to the seven captains? p. 6
  • What is the Chorus referring to at the top of p. 7? How do you know?
  • What does the word “oblivion” indicate about the wishes of the people of Thebes? p. 7
  • Who does the Chorus introduce, and what do they tell us about him? p. 7
  • Explain the metaphor of the “ship” that Creon uses. What does this mean about his rule? p. 7
  • What does the phrase “mutual fratricide” refer to? p. 8
  • What does Creon think of Eteocles? p. 8
  • What does Creon think of Polynices? p. 9

Notes


  • The teacher will need to do a mini lesson on the Greek chorus. Having students watch a clip of a TV show or consider their answer to the following question can help them better understand the function of the chorus.
    • Question: In a TV show, when the creators want you to have some necessary background information, how do they communicate this?
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