|Name: _________________________||Period: ___________________|
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. In Part 4, what does Creon say will happen to Jonas if he keeps quiet?
2. What do the guards wonder after they apprehend Antigone?
3. What does Jonas say in response to Creon's accusations in Part 4?
4. In Part 4, what does Creon do in response to the guards telling him what Antigone has done?
5. In the beginning of Part 5, Creon tells Antigone that she thinks he is above the law. What reasoning does he give for her impudence?
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Creon's role in the play represents destiny or fate. He alone holds Antigone's future in his hands, though one might argue that Antigone is a factor in her own destiny. However, Antigone seems to have surrendered herself to whatever may come. Describe situations in the play where Creon's power over Antigone's life or death is played out. What is Creon's rationale for sending Antigone to her death? Why does he feel he has no other option, even though Antigone is engaged to his son? What purpose will her death serve in what he considers his ultimate destiny?
Essay Topic 2
Creon's choice of execution method appears cruel and extreme. What purpose would such an execution serve? What message do you think Creon was trying to send by walling her up in a cave? Why do you think Creon would choose this instead of possibly more humane methods of execution? What message do you think he was trying to send to Haemon by sentencing his fiancee to such a death?
Essay Topic 3
The Nurse represents Antigone's conscience. When Antigone sneaks back in after being out all night, the Nurse reminds Antigone of all she's done to raise her right. When Antigone jokes that she's been out with a secret lover, the Nurse tells Antigone that her mother would not be proud of her actions. Are there any other instances of the Nurse acting as Antigone's conscience? Why do you think the author chose to include this moment of childish teasing in an otherwise dark play? Why does the Nurse react so emotionally? What purpose does this scene serve in the overall plot of the play?
This section contains 473 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)