"I was born to join in love, not hate—that is my nature": Civil Disobedience in Antigone

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 3

10th Grade

Lesson 2 of 23

Objective


Analyze how Sophocles uses characterization to introduce the major conflict of the play.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Antigone by Sophocles; Translated by Robert Fagles  pp. 59 – 66 — lines 1–179

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Analyze how Sophocles uses characterization to develop the conflict between loyalty to family and religion versus loyalty to authority and the law. Use one or both text-based vocabulary words in your response.

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What is Creon's decree? What is the punishment for breaking the law? What is Antigone's reasoning for breaking his law, and what does this reveal about her character?

What is Ismene's reasoning for submitting to Creon's law? What does her reasoning reveal about her character? How does Antigone react to her sister's decision, and what does this further show about Antigone's character?

How does the chorus portray Polynices? Compared to Antigone's perspective, how does the chorus offer a different perspective of Polynices?

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

parados

the first song that is sung by the chorus in a Greek tragedy

characterization

The process by which the writer reveals the personality and traits of a character

conflict

a struggle between two opposing forces

Text-based

decree

n.

an official order or law given by a person in authority, like a ruler

submit

v.

to accept or yield to a superior force or the authority or will of another person 

Homework


  • Book: Antigone by Sophocles; Translated by Robert Fagles  — pp. 67–75, lines 179–376

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Consider Creon's speech from lines 179–235. What does he prioritize most? 

  • According to Creon, what crime has Polynices committed?

  • What news does the sentry bring to Creon? How does Creon react when the Leader wonders if it could possibly be the work of the gods?

Annotation Focus

Annotate lines and passages that develop Creon's characterization.

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Standards


  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.4
RL.9-10.6
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.1.a
W.9-10.10

Next

Analyze Creon's use of rhetorical appeals. 

Lesson 3
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