The Greek drama origionated in Greece, and began as a religious worship of the god Dionysus.
List five characteristics of a tragic hero. (5)
1. Comes from nobility
2. Tragic Flaw (caused by a simple mistake or a character flaw) maybe pride or hubris
3. Undergoes a Reversal of Fortune (Falls from high to low)
4. Has a Downfall
5. Recognizes his mistakes (in a catharsis or purgation of pity and fear)
Who is the tragic hero of Antigone? Explain. (2)
Creon is the tragic hero of Antigone becuase he posseses all five characteristics of one. He has
the tragic flaw of hubris, he is the emperor,because of bad decisions he becomes a beggar, he
recognizes that he has done wrong by not allowing polynesis to be buried.
What are the six elements of drama? Define each. (6)
a. Plot (the incidents or story line)
b. Character (physical, social, psychological, moral--people represented in the play)
c. Thought/Theme (insights into humanity and life
d. Music (all sound)
e. Spectacle (scenery and other visual elements)
f. Diction/language (the dialogue and poetry)
Define catharsis and explain its effect on the audience. (2)
catharsis is a purging of emptions in the audience. it is the connection that the audience
experiences with the character and the events that happen to the character.
What are the Greek terms for reversal of fortune, recognition, pride, and character flaw? (4)
a. peripeteia
b. anagnorisis
c. Hubris
d. Hamartia
Identify two examples of irony in Antigone. Explain the irony. (4)
one example of situational irony is that Tireseus is a blind profet, but can see the world better,
and must see the world for Creon.
an example of verbal irony is when Creon says "You shall not marry her this side the grave!" this
is verbal irony because in the story, Haemon actually does marry Antigone on the other side of the grave.
What is the main conflict of Antigone? (1)
the main conflict is that Antigone wants to bury her brother, but Creon will not let her. she does it
anyway but she pays with her life.
What is the theme of Antigone? Explain.(2)
the theme of antigone is "whithout knowledge there can be no happiness." this means that man gets wiser
as they experience life and learn from past situations and experiences. through this knowledge people
gain happiness.
Explain Antigones family tree. (2)
King Laius and Jacasta got married and had a son named Oedipus. he then married Jocasta and they gave
birth to Eleocles, Antigone, Ismene, and Polyneices. Creon then has a son named Haemon.
Where does each character exist on Kohlbergs scale of moral development? Why? (5)
Antigone: Stage 6- she stayed with her principle of honoring her brother's death even if it did mean that
she was to be put to death. she belives that it is more important to honor her brother than to live her
life knowing that she had the chance to and did not take it.
Creon: Stage 4- his life is solely based on law and order, and all of his decisions are based upon wether
they are against or according to the law.
Haemon: Stage 5- he stands-up for what he believes in eventhough it was against the law and against the
beliefs of his father.
Ismene: Stage 3- she chooses with her head and thinks about the pros and cons of the situation, but does
it only becuase she wants to comply with the law at first. her second decision is based on pleasing
Antigone, and wants the recognition for herself.
The Chorus: Stage 1 & 4- the chorus skipps around from complying with Creon and the law for fear of
getting in trouble, and maintaining the authority.