Bio Med Essay

Honors English Novel Study Form

Title: Antigone

Author and Original Year of Publication: Sophocles, 1888

MLA citation: Sophocles. Antigone. New York: Dover Publications, 1993. Print.

Pertinent biographical information on author (You must use an online source and must also include a citation that matches the Works Cited page):
Sophocles was born around the times of 496 B.C.E. into wealth, as a son of an arms manufacturer. As an Athenian citizen and “well-known as a masters of tragedy,” it is said that the “creator of Greek tragedy,” Aeschylus, trained Sophocles in writing Greek tragedy. Although Aeschylus created Greek tragedy, Sophocles perfected it. He was a “politician, priest, and military leader.” Throughout his life, “he scored the most wins in dramatic competitions” and in the City Dionysia, he “won the most important dramatic festival... unmatched 18 times.” As a boy, he sang in the chorus and “received an education in music, athletics, and dancing.” As most of the ancient playwrights, he showed his acting skills by acting in plays that he wrote and was actively involved in Athenian politics and military affairs. Sophocles’ death has been a mystery and based on the account of some researchers, he died “publicly reciting Antigone or from excessive joy at some dramatic victory.'' Though the fact of his death is a mystery, his death is seen as being as dignified as his life (“Sophocles,” “Sophocles-Biography”).

One-paragraph plot outline:
Antigone and Ismene mourn the loss of their two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, who died fighting each other for the throne. Creon, the new king of Thebes and uncle of Antigone, defies the ways of nature by burying Eteocles but not Polynices because of being a traitor. Antigone using civil disobedience gives Polynices the preparations of burial, but she is caught by the guard, Sentinel, and is brought to Creon. Disobeying the natural ways of nature, he punishes Antigone with prison sentence in the dungeon, soon after banishing Antigone to the dungeon he is seen by Haemon, his only son. Haemon pleads to Creon to release Antigone or he will commit suicide, Creon taking Haemon's words the wrong way thinks Haemon is threatening him. Tiresias accompanied with his helper comes to tell Creon that he has angered the Gods by disrupting the natural balance of nature. Creon rethinking his past actions speaks to the Senator for advice. The senator disagreeing with Creon's past actions tells him that he should bring balance upon nature once again by bringing Antigone back from the dungeon and burying Polynices. Creon moving swiftly with his actions goes to where Polynices lies and buries him, then going to Antigone. Yet upon arrival he sees that Antigone has committed suicide and with the realization that Antigone is gone, Haemon commits suicide. After seeing what his actions have done, Creon regrets his actions. Eurydice, mother of Haemon, upon learning her son's death, commits suicide. Creon admits that he is the cause of their deaths and abdicates from the throne.

Four main characters (with a one-sentence description of each--focus on character traits):
Antigone is a stubborn and rebellious lady; she does not do what is told and takes action into what she believes in.
Creon is manipulative and single-minded; he makes decisions on his emotions and doesn't see other people's perspectives.
Ismene is the opposite of Antigone, she knows her place and does not disobey the King's orders; she acts upon reason yet she is willing to stand by Antigone's side.
The Chorus is a voice of reason; though the chorus chose no side, they give their opinion to Creon which enables his movement towards natural balance.

Two minor characters (and a one-sentence description of each--focus on character traits):
The Sentinel is a loyal servant to the King and has a clear conscience; he brings in Antigone for her crimes yet feels guilty.
Eurydice is a loyal and loving mother; she

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