Antigone Scene 3-Ode 3 Study Guide

Scene 3:

1. When Haemon arrives, what is the first question that Creon asks him? 2. What is Haemon’s initial response when his father asks how he feels about the king’s decision to execute Antigone? 3. What does Creon say that men pray for? 4. In the discussion that follows, in what direction does Haemon try to lead the conversation? 5. Haemon tells Creon that in some cities they are speaking of individual freedom and giving everyone the right to speak his thoughts. Why is Creon opposed to this? 6. Why is Creon intent on harshly punishing, even family members, all those who break the law? 7. What is the reason Creon gives when he claims it is necessary for him to condemn Antigone? 8. What further points does Creon make to his son? 9. What counterpoints does Haemon make to his father? 10. What does Haemon claim is god’s crowning gift to man? 11. What does Haemon tell King Creon about the people of Thebes’ allegiance to him? 12. What opinion does the chorus express? 13. Whose point, King Creon’s or Haemon’s, does the Chorus support? 14. How does the city feel about Antigone’s crime? 15. When Creon refuses to listen to his son and they continue to argue, what does Creon reveal about himself? 16. Do you agree with Haemon that an act of disobedience, if it is an honorable act, is to be admired? 17. What threats does Haemon make to his father? 18. While Creon is ranting at his son, what does the king threaten to do? 19. What does Creon tell the chorus he plans to do? 20. Describe Creon’s death sentence for Antigone. 21. Why does Creon decide on this method for Antigone’s death?

Ode 3:

1. What does the chorus praise? For what do they pray? 2. The quote beginning “O Love…” is an example of what literary device? 3. What does the chorus suggest brought on Antigone’s trouble? 4. According to Ode 3, what is it that “even the pure Immortals cannot escape”?