Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus who martyrs herself for her brother’s honor when her uncle Creon refuses to bury him and sentences her to death for trying.
Antigone is best known from the play Antigone by Sophocles. After Oedipus discovered that the oracle of him killing his father and marrying his mother came true, Queen Jocasta killed herself. Oedipus took two pins from her dressing gown and gouged his own eyes out. Fleeing the city of Thebes, Antigone, Ismene, and Oedipus wandered until Oedipus died in Athens. Antigone and Ismene returned to Thebes to find that their brothers had fought a bloody civil war over who would take the throne, and both brothers are dead.
Their uncle Creon and his wife Eurydice had taken over the city. Creon declared that Eteocles would be buried with full military honors, but Polynices was a traitor and would not be allowed a burial. In ancient Greek culture, if a body was not buried or burned, the soul could not move on to the afterlife. Antigone pleaded with her uncle to no avail, so she went under the cover of night and sprinkled a thin layer of dirt over her brother’s body.
When Creon found out that Antigone defied his edict, he ordered her to be buried alive in a cave. His son and Antigone’s fiancé, Haemon, eventually strongly disagreed with his father’s actions and sided with Antigone. The blind prophet, Tiresias, arrived in Thebes and warned Creon that Antigone could not be imprisoned under the ground and Polynices must be buried, or a great curse would befall the city from the gods, and from all of Greece. Creon finally agreed to bury Polynices and release Antigone, but then he received word from Haemon that Antigone hanged herself in the cave. Haemon tried to stab his father but failed, so he stabbed himself. When Eurydice heard the news of her son’s death, she killed herself. Creon was left with nothing.
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King Oedipus and Queen Jocasta
Notable Myths
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Be sure to check out the lesson plans for Antigone!
How Tos about Antigone: Greek Hero and Martyr
How can I teach the themes of Antigone using group discussion?
Encourage students to explore major themes such as civil disobedience and loyalty by assigning small groups to discuss key scenes. Prompt students to share personal opinions and connect the play to current events for deeper engagement.
Guide students to analyze character motivations in Antigone.
Assign each student a character and have them track their actions and choices throughout the play. Use graphic organizers to help students visually map out motivations and conflicts.
Facilitate a classroom debate on Antigone’s decisions.
Divide the class into two sides—one supporting Antigone and one supporting Creon. Encourage evidence-based arguments from the text and allow students to respectfully challenge each other's viewpoints.
Incorporate creative activities to deepen understanding of Antigone.
Invite students to create posters, skits, or poems that represent the emotions and conflicts in the story. This hands-on approach makes abstract themes memorable and accessible for all learners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigone: Greek Hero and Martyr
What is Antigone in Greek mythology?
Antigone is a famous character from Greek mythology and tragedy, known as the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. She is best recognized for her bravery and loyalty in defying King Creon to bury her brother Polynices, a central event in Sophocles’ play Antigone.
Why is Antigone considered a hero in literature?
Antigone is seen as a hero because she stands up for her beliefs and family, even when facing severe consequences. Her actions highlight themes of courage, loyalty, and moral duty, making her a powerful symbol in literature and philosophy.
How did Antigone challenge authority in her story?
Antigone challenged authority by defying King Creon's law that banned the burial of her brother Polynices. She believed in honoring family and divine laws over human laws, which led to her eventual punishment.
What lessons can students learn from Antigone’s story?
Students can learn about ethical decision-making, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the consequences of civil disobedience from Antigone’s story. It encourages discussion around justice, loyalty, and personal values.
Who wrote the play 'Antigone' and why is it significant?
Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s most famous playwrights, wrote the tragedy Antigone. The play is significant because it explores complex themes like law versus morality, family, and the role of women in society.
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