During the first 1.5 weeks, we will read the Antigone of Sophocles and consider what it is that she is doing. Then we will look at several critical readings of the play and, finally, we will consider variations on or adaptations of Sophocles’ Antigone (Brecht) and the archetype or “brand” of Antigone.
The reading assignment for the first lecture is all of Antigone (pp.57-128), but the questions below will occasionally refer you to other parts of the book. Make sure that you have the Penguin edition and please look at those short sections referred to in addition to reading the play. You will also be reading the HCC Reader, pp.187-95 (Brecht) and pp.235-37 (“Search for the Fallen”).
1.What does Antigone’s FAMILY look like? Consult the chart on p.425 and note the positions of the following family members: Antigone, Ismene, Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, Haemon, Eurydice, Eteocles, Polynices.
Now, for each of these characters, indicate what his or her condition is at the end of the play and briefly describe how he or she came to be in this condition (pp.27-29 will be helpful).
2. What does Antigone’s STATE look like? What form does it take (monarchy? democracy?). Who is the head of state and how did the last few heads of state achieve that status? (27-29).
3. Why must the dead be buried in this play? Why is burial so important?
4. Watch the chorus. Who are they and what functions do they serve?
5. What are Antigone’s first words and how do they situate her?
6. What is the substance of Creon’s edict or proclamation?
7. How does Creon make his case for exposing Polynices on p.68?
8. What does Antigone mean on p. 82 when she speaks of “great unwritten, unshakeable traditions?
9. How do you evaluate Antigone’s treatment of Ismene? Why won’t she let Ismene join her in death?
10. How does Creon argue for the primacy of the father-son relationship on p.93?
11. P.105. a) Lines 995-1004, in which Antigone explains that she would only have defied the edict to bury a brother, not for a husband or child, have baffled readers and spectators for centuries. What is Antigone saying and how is it consistent or inconsistent with what she says and does in the play? Can a true representative of kinship issues assert that she would not bury a husband or child?
b) Goethe said that he hoped that scholars would someday discover that these lines were not part of the play. Do you share his sentiments? Why or why not?
12. Since the play involves the clash of two worlds or at least of two viewpoints, it is natural that one would like to come to some sort of conclusion as to who was right or who was wrong or whether there is a third position. Which way do you incline? Can you support either side or can you support both? Or neither? Give your reasons.
13. Brecht’s Antigone: In the poem, why does Brecht’s Antigone break the law and what do you make of this?
14. What is happening in the Prologue to Brecht’s adaptation? We don’t read the adaptation, but it can be found in the UCI library if you are interested or ordered online in the Judith Malina translation.
15. “Search for the Fallen” : What is Erwin Kowalke’s definition of war?
16. How is this a matter of kinship? What resistance does he encounter?
Discussion Question:
1.Think about the burial practices of your family, religious heritage, cultural heritage. Can you give a detailed description of these practices and explain the reasoning behind them? Your instructor may ask you to do this in class.
2. Where does Brecht depart from Sophocles’ in terms of depicting the Theban war? How do the brothers die? What is the purpose of the war? Why do you think Brecht made these changes?
3. The Elders seem to reproach Brecht’s Antigone when they say :
But she too once ate of the savory bread
that was baked in the dark caves. Not until her own kind
suffered and died, did she raise her voice loudly in protest.
What do they mean and what does this mean for Brecht’s immediate audience?
4. Brecht’s Prologue: Deserters were hanged on public streets at the end of the war, so the situation Brecht is depicting as an Antigone-like problem is somewhat realistic. The brother is hanged and exposed and the sister goes out with a knife. What do you think the Second Sister would DO if the play were to continue?
5. “Search for the Fallen” This is a piece from the LAtimes feature section and it describes a man who digs up the bones of WW II soldiers, mostly German, but some Russian. Is he a male Antigone? Why or why not?