When writing an essay about the play Antigone, students should carefully explore the actions and decisions of each character. Analyze their motivations, choices, and transformations. (If analyzing more than one character, feel free to compare and contrast.)
Also, to decipher the lessons and arguments of Sophocles, students should ask themselves the following questions:
A) Does Antigone change throughout the story? If so, in what way?
B) How does Antigone truly feel about her sister Ismene?
C) Should the audience feel sympathy for Creon? Does he deserve his fate? Why / why not?
D) What role does the Chorus serve throughout the play?
E) Are the lessons of Sophocles truthful and/or valuable in today’s society? Why / why not?
F) What lessons can we learn from the stubbornness of both Antigone and Creon?
G) How should the audience feel about Ismene’s loyalty ( or lack thereof)?
H) What final lessons do the chorus members learn and discuss?
I) What messages about government and power are conveyed by the play’s end?
J) What is the role of the Gods within Antigone?
