Antigone

Objectives

• analyze the use of Aristotle's  three unities
• analyze the role of dramatic irony
• analyze the roles of fate and free will
• examine the use of suspense
• analyze gender roles and the impact on the play

The Three Unities

• Place- happens in one place
• Time- happens within one day
• Action- all action contributes directly

Chorus

• 15 to 20 men- represent citizens
• Always on stage- danced and sang
• Had a leader who carried on conversation with characters

Chorus Function

• set tone
• give background-recall events
• ask questions-interpret events
• offer opinions and advice
• Act as a jury of elders

Chorus Songs

• Strophe
• Antistrophe
• Epode

Hubris

• exaggerated self pride
• results in fatal retribution
• Tragic flaw

Tragic Hero

• noble status- great but not perfect
• error in judgement-hamartia
• punishment greater than crime, but not pure loss
• anagnorisis-self knowledge or discovery
• Evokes pity from audience- catharsis

Role of gender

• Look for and highlight or underline:
• Discussion of women BY WOMEN
• Discussion of women BY MEN
• How do they differ?
• How are they the same?