Lesson 1 | Antigone | 10th Grade English

Objective

Explain Antigone’s motivations and the character traits revealed by them.

Explain how Sophocles establishes the conflict between loyalties to family and law early on.

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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

Which of the following best states Antigone’s central motive?

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Which piece of evidence best demonstrates the motive above?

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How does Sophocles establish the conflict between loyalty to family and law in the opening scene? Explain using evidence from the text.

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

What is the relationship between Antigone and Ismene? p. 1
According to Antigone, what “grows from” their father Oedipus? What does this mean? p. 1
What do we learn about the fate of their brothers? p. 1
How does the privacy of the discussion contribute to the mood? p. 1
How did King Creon treat Eteocles? p. 2
What are Antigone’s intentions, and why is this problematic? p. 2
What do Antigone’s words at the top of p. 3 reveal?
What is Ismene’s argument and how does Antigone respond to her? p. 3
What traits does Ismene use to describe herself? p. 4
What does Ismene imply with the phrase “your heart beats hotly…”? p. 4
When will Antigone “cease trying”? p. 4

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

This opening scene would be a good place to have students try out their acting skills. Acting out the interaction between the two sisters can help students to more clearly recognize the differences between Ismene and Antigone.
This would also be a good day for the teacher to introduce some kind of family tree so students can more easily track character relationships.
In the materials for this lesson, we have listed two websites that offer thorough information on Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes. Use these resources for any background information required by students.