Antigone

Literapedia Book Notes for
=//Antigone// by Sophocles=

Scene Summaries

 * __prologue (lines 1–116)__ **Antigone** and **Ismene** discuss the situation. Antigone leaves with resolve, and Ismene frets upon the stage.
 * __parodos—intro ode (lines 117–172)__ The **chorus** celebrates the victory over the Seven Against Thebes.


 * __1st scene (lines 173–376)__ **Creon** gives a speech on kingship to the old men of the city (the chorus), and speaks with their **Leader**. The **Sentry** tells of the burial and is sent away by Creon.
 * __1st ode (lines 377–416)__ The **chorus** describes the stages of humankind and talks of the fall of reckless men.


 * __2nd scene (lines 417–655)__ The **Sentry** presents **Antigone** to **Creon** as the perpetrator of the crime. **Ismene** begs to share the guilt but is rebuffed by her sister.
 * __2nd ode (lines 656–700)__ The **chorus** bemoans the situation and comments on the ruin of man.


 * __3rd scene (lines 701–878)__ **Haemon** enters and pledges allegiance to **Creon**, his father, but suggests to him that he is wrong. Creon tells the **Leader** Antigone’s punishment.
 * __3rd ode (lines 879–894)__ Once again the **chorus** is bummed at the situation, but this time they talk about love.


 * __4th scene (lines 895–1034)__ **Antigone** is led to her death. The **chorus** and their **Leader** feel sorry for her, but **Creon** has no pity.
 * __4th ode (lines 1035–1089)__ The **chorus** compares Antigone’s fate to that of Danaë and possibly compares Creon to Lycurgus


 * __5th scene (lines 1090–1238)__ **Tiresias** shows up to warn **Creon**, but Creon angers him and runs him off by accusations of lying to make money. The **Leader** convinces Creon to free Antigone.
 * __5th ode (lines 1239–1272)__ The **chorus** sings praise of the god Dionysus, suggesting their hope for the “rebirth” of Antigone.


 * __epilogue (lines 1273–1465)__ A **Messenger** tells the **Leader** and **Eurydice** how Antigone was found dead and how Haemon killed himself. **Creon** enters and finds that Eurydice killed herself. Creon confesses his mistakes and the Leader “consoles” him.
 * __exodus (lines 1466–1470)__ The **chorus** tells us that wisdom is a good thing.

Book Note Creator
Hal Waller, instructor