CSTA252_PlayAnalysisAssignment_Fa272228129-2
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CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
THEATRE APPRECIATION (CSTA 252)
Play Analysis Assignment
Instructions:
Please complete responses on a separate sheet of paper. Responses should be typed, double spaced, Times New Roman size 12 font with 1” margins. Assignment should be uploaded into Canvas under Module 5 Assignment tab as a PDF or Microsoft Word document by the deadline designated in the module. Name of Play: Antigone
Author: Sophocles
I.
Characters
(describe)
A.
Protagonist: In Antigone Tiresias would be the protagonist because, Tiresias cautions Creon that his arrogance will lead to his downfall. Tiresias is known for his unflinching honesty and willingness to speak uncomfortable truths that others may shy away from.
B.
Antagonist : In Antigone, Creon assumes the role of the antagonist as his primary driving force throughout the play is to make sure Antigone cannot bury her brother, and doesn’t care what he has to do to stop it, even if it means his son has to let the women he loves die.
C.
Other major characters: Antigone, Ismene, Eurydice of Thebes
D.
Secondary or minor characters (list name and what they do in the play, who they are)
II.
Exposition
(all the information needed to get the audience “set up” for the story)
A. Time
B. Place: royal palace in front of Thebes
C.
Preliminary situation: In violation of Creon's order, Antigone swears to bury her brother Polynices' body, but her sister Ismene declines to assist her out of fear of facing the death penalty.
III.
Plot
(which follows the preliminary action)
A.
Inciting Moment - How does the plight of the main characters begin?
In violation of Creon's order, Antigone swears to bury her brother Polynices' body, but her sister Ismene declines to assist her out of dread of facing the death penalty.
B.
Main conflict
The central conflict rises from the clash of the main character, Antigone, and her uncle, King Creon, over the role of man's laws and god's laws in society
.
C.
Rising Action (summary)
Creon found out about Polyneices being buried
D.
Climax (turning point)
Antigone commits suicide E.
Falling Action (summary)
When Creon sees the procession of his son Haemon's body, finds out his wife committed suicide, and realizes he has lost all he valued, he is devastated.
F.
Denouement (Resolution – final outcome for each major character
)
The characters in "Antigone" face a range of personal and societal changes, particularly related to individual conscience, family loyalty, gender roles, and the conflict between divine and human law. These changes highlight the central theme of the play: the tragic consequences that arise when personal convictions and state authority collide, ultimately underscoring the enduring relevance of these themes in society.
G.
How do the characters’ lives change throughout the story? What is their plight at the end of the play?
Each character comes to the realization that their actions are not only affecting them, but the ones around them Abe the whole Thebes.
IV.
Dramatic Devices
(Dramatic devices are strategies used by a playwright to add interest to the work, create a particular effect on the audience, or enhance the work’s major themes.) Did the playwright use any of the following devices? If yes, please support with evidence from the play. A.
Foreshadowing ( the blind prophet foreshadowed the future if Creon did change his ways.)
H. Greek Chorus
B.
Soliloquy( Haemon tells Creon about how his actions will affect him) I. Aside
C.
Dramatic Irony
J. Foil D.
Monologue (The blind prophet came and gave a speech about how Creon actions can caused everyone harm.)
E. Narration
F.
Breaking Frame
G. Flashbacks
V.
Theme of Play
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A. What was the main idea/theme of the play and what does it say about the time in which it was set?
The theme of the play shows that men back then believed it was their way or the highway, they didn’t want a woman to seem superior to them. B. Meaning of the Title – what is the core meaning, or what is the play saying? Often an idea is expressed through a feeling – what lies subliminally beneath the feeling? The title of the play represents the controversy that will take place surrounding the main character in the play.
C. Philosophical statements in the play – cite actual quotations found in the script. Pinpoint the line(s) that make direct reference to your interpretation of its meaning
D. Implications of the action – What personal and societal changes do the characters deal with and how does this affect the main idea of the play?
In the play "Antigone" by Sophocles, the characters grapple with various personal and societal changes, which significantly impact the main idea of the play. The central themes explored in the play include the conflict between divine and human law, individual conscience and state authority, and the consequences of defiance. Here's how these changes influence the main idea:
1. **Individual Conscience vs. State Authority:** Antigone's decision to bury her brother Polynices,
in defiance of King Creon's edict, highlights the clash between her individual conscience and the authority of the state. Creon's proclamation against burying Polynices reflects a societal change where the state's authority is absolute and unquestionable. Antigone's act represents a personal change, as she prioritizes her moral duty to her family and the divine laws over the laws of the state.
2. **Family and Loyalty:** The conflict between Antigone and Creon underscores the shifting dynamics within the family. Antigone's loyalty to her deceased brother represents a personal change
in her determination to honor family bonds despite societal changes that prioritize state loyalty over family loyalty.
3. **Gender Roles and Expectations:** Another aspect of societal change is the role of women in ancient Greek society. Antigone's actions defy societal expectations for women, particularly their subordination to male authority. Her resistance to Creon's edict challenges these gender norms and reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes toward women's agency.
4. **Consequences of Defiance:** The play explores the consequences of defying state authority. Both Antigone and Creon face dire consequences for their choices. Antigone's defiance leads to her death, while Creon's stubbornness and adherence to his edict result in the loss of his family and power. These personal and societal consequences emphasize the play's central theme of the tragedy caused by excessive pride and inflexibility.
5. **Divine vs. Human Law:** The tension between divine and human law is a critical element in the play. Antigone's actions are motivated by her belief in divine law, which supersedes human laws in her view. Her defiance challenges the changing societal perception of divine law and emphasizes the conflict between personal conviction and state-mandated laws.
E. Consider each scene – determine the purpose of each scene in the play. What idea is it trying to convey? How does it help the overall idea?
V. Personal Reaction
A. Did you like the play? Why or why not?
I did like the play because of the story line, and the meaning behind the story line that men are not the only ones in position of power and when they think that way something will always make them come and do the right thing. Would you recommend the play to others? Why or why not?
No because the play is old and hard to pay attention to if you aren’t interested in plays.
VI. Mood
A. What is the mood of the play?
The mood of the play is very straightforward and aggressive B. What is the mood of the beginning compared to the end?
The mood in the beginning is like a monarchy and at the end more like a democracy.
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