Antigone (Context and Interactive Exercises)

Sophocles’ Antigone is explored through historical context, reading comprehension, and interactive exercises that inspire students’ unique perspectives.

The visually rich resources begin with an introduction to Greek theatre and tragedy with an emphasis on the Chorus. Other topics of interest are Athenian democracy, Oedipal myth, Thebes and religious beliefs, underscoring the importance of Dionysus. References to pop culture are made whenever possible to make the ideas legible for young people.

The textual analyses of the play are based on a translation by Richard Emil Braun and an adaptation by Hollie McNish, offering two different ways to approach the material: one more traditional, the other more contemporary (please note: the McNish version uses salty language as a tool of engagement, though any references to offensive language in the PowerPoint includes asterisks). Textual references are most often presented side-by-side so that the educator can remove one of the texts if they would rather focus on the other. Some of the aspects of the play that are illuminated include: Antigone as rebel, doubling and parting, characterization of the main characters, conflict between Antigone and Ismene, conflict between Antigone and Kreon, Kreon vs. the gods, the ship of state metaphor, and more. All textual analyses include discussion prompts so that students are actively involved.

Interactive exercises get students to understand and interrogate the text. There are ideas for writing prompts and mini-group debates. A video on the continuing allure of Greek tragedies and an animated summary of the play are included for added interest.

For the second half of the play, a Word / PDF exercise is included that gets students to take what they have learned and make links between textual excerpts and overarching themes.

In case of PowerPoint elements moving around in transit, a PDF version is included so that you can easily make corrections.